-
Constitution of 1824
Constitutional government in Texas began with the Mexican federal Constitution of 1824, which was similar to the United States Constitution but resembled more the Spanish Constitution of 1812. The Catholic religion was made the official religion and the church was supported by the public treasury (taxes).The three branches of government were very similar to the U.S. Government. (2 Houses of Congress, 4 year terms for the President, and a Supreme Court). -
Mier y Teran Report
In 1827 President Guadalupe Victoria named General Manuel de
Mier y Terán to lead a scientific and boundary expedition into
Texas.Their job was to observe the natural resources and the Indians, to discover the number and attitudes of the Americans living there, and to determine the United States‐Mexico boundary between the Sabine and the Red rivers. His suggestions were put into the Law of April 6, 1830 which also led the prohibition of slavery and closed the borders of Texas to Americans. -
Fredonian Rebellion
The Fredonian Rebellion was a dispute between the Mexican government and the Edwards brothers, Haden and
Benjamin.Haden Edwards received his empresarial grant on April 14,1825 that entitled him to settle as many as 800 families in
and around Nacogdoches in eastern Texas.This offended the older settlers and the following year,Mexico canceled his contract. In response to the canceling, Edwards made an alliance with Cherokee Indians and declared the "Republic of Fredonia" independent of Mexico. -
Guerrero Decree
The Guerrero Decree abolished slavery throughout the Republic of Mexico was issued by President Vicente R. Guerrero on September 15, 1829. It is not fully understood why Guerrero issued this law, but itis thought he may have hoped the decree would be a check on American immigration.The decree reached Texas on October 16, but the political chief, withheld its publication because it was in violation of the colonization laws, which guaranteed the settlers security for their persons and property. -
Law of April 6, 1830
The Law of April 6, 1830 was designed to stop the flood of immigration from the United States to Texas, which came as a result of the warning Mier y Terán Report.The law forbade the further introduction of slaves into Mexico, and intended to suspend existing empresario contracts.Enforcement of this law resulted directly in the Anahuac. The conventions of 1832 and 1833, and the accumulation grievances that helped lead to the revolution. -
Conflict at Anahuac
Col. Juan Davis Bradburn came to the mouth of the Trinity River on Galveston Bay His job was to help the collector of customs and prevent the entrance of immigrants from the United States in accord with the recently passed Law of April 6, 1830.
There were many problems with ship captains refusing to pay tariffs,however the primary issue resulted when anglo settlers William Travis and Patrick Jack were arrested.Meanwhile, the party on Turtle Bayou composed and signed the Turtle Bayou Resolutions. -
Turtle Bayou Resolutions
On June 12, 1832, settlers opposed to the rule of Mexican commander John Davis Bradburn fled from Anahuac north to the
crossing on Turtle Bayou. The Texas rebels had just learned that the Federalist army had won a significant victory under the leadership of Antonio López de Santa Anna.The four resolutions condemned violations of the 1824 constitution by the Bustamante government and urged all Texans to support the patriots fighting under Santa Anna. -
Battle of Velasco
The Battle of Velasco,which took place on June 26, 1832, was
probably the first case of bloodshed in the relations between
Texas and Mexico.The Texans numbered between 100‐150 and the Mexicans were estimated to have 91 to 200 troops. The Mexicans were forced to surrender when they ran out of ammunition.It is estimated that Texan casualties were seven killed and fourteen wounded and the Mexicans had five killed and sixteen
wounded.After the Mexicans surrendered they were aloud to go home by ship. -
Convention of 1832
The Convention of 1832 was held at San Felipe de Austin after
the Anahuac Disturbances,the Battle of Velasco,and the Turtle
Bayou Resolutions.55 delegates elected Stephen F. Austin president and they met from October 1 through October 6,1832 The convention adopted of resolutions requesting the extension of tariff exemptions,modification of the Law of April 6,1830,to permit more general immigration from the United States,donation of government lands for the maintenance of primary schools.. -
SFA goes to Mexico City
The Convention of 1833 elected Austin to deliver the petitions to
Mexico City and argue for their approval.He left San Felipe in April, arrived in Mexico City in July, and, after unavoidable delays, persuaded the government to repeal the Law of April 6, 1830, and to promise important reforms in Texas local government.Austin was arrested at Saltillo in January, under suspicion of trying to
incite insurrection in Texas, and taken back to Mexico City. No charges were made against him. -
Convention of 1833
The Convention of 1833 met at San Felipe on April 1, the day
that Antonio López de Santa Anna took control of Mexico. Approximately fifty‐six delegates attended, including a new delegate from Nacogdoches, Sam Houston.William H. Wharton presided over the convention which petitioned for repeal of the anti‐immigration section of the Law of April 6,1830. -
The Consultation
The Consultation was held in San Felipe in late October into early
November of 1835. This served as a debate between the opposing factions that wanted to continue a diplomatic relations with Mexico, led by Stephen F. Austin and the side that wanted to immediately declare independence, led by William Wharton and Henry Smith.On November 7 the Consultation established a provisional government upon the principles of the Constitution of 1824. Sam Houston was named commander of the army.
