It’s easy to see things from our own point of view. It’s our opinion, after all. But it can be very enlightening to try someone else’s viewpoint on for size.

Texas was first settled by Spanish colonists. It was a good land, but it was also a long way from any supplies and protection a government in Mexico City could offer. And then there were the Indians and the French who also wanted the land. Spain, and later Mexico, had trouble finding enough pioneers to secure and establish the land.

Meanwhile, the United States was expanding to the west. Plenty of Anglo pioneers were interested in Texas land, and from  Mexico’s perspective, at least they weren’t French! (Spain and France are not traditionally on good terms.) These pioneers could help establish Texas for Mexico as long as they wouldn’t try to take the territory for the United States.

So colonists like the families Stephen F. Austin brought had to agree to certain terms.

• They had to promise to teach their children to speak Spanish.
• They had to worship in Catholic churches.
• They had to be loyal to Mexico and abide by the Mexican Constitution.

The Anglo colonists agreed to these terms…but they were in no hurry to actually do them.

Teaching Tip: Discuss why the new government of a newly independent Mexico found this alarming.