Unrest grows in Texas and Spanish rule ends

Unrest grows in Texas… …. and Spanish rule ends

Hidalgo’s Revolution

Causes Napoleon kidnaps king of Spain Napoleon’s brother, Joseph, becomes king. Revolutionaries were: small farmers Taxes too high: many forced into peonage (land slavery) to pay debts. Middle class and intellectuals revolting against Napoleon & puppet King. Laws unfair: restrict best jobs to Spanish-born “Peninsulares”

Enter Father Hidalgo

El Grito de Dolores!!!! His famous call for revolt and political change

His army does well at first……

Why failure? : military Hidalgo’s Army 100, 000+ people. Too large to control. Few guns, no training. Spanish Army Smaller- 6, 000 menbut organized. Well armed and trained.

Why failure? : Politics Hidalgo: • Never captured Mexico City. • Needed money and military supplies from Mexico city. • Hidalgo and Allende captured and executed Spain • Retained capital city. • Controlled cash, and arsenals. • Leaders remain in control.

The legend: Hidalgo was also known as…. .

El Zorro!!!!

Why did Spain neglect Texas? • • Cause No gold or silver Political center in Mexico City Land in California and Mexico more fertile Angry Indians Effect • No fortune hunters • No politicians • Few ranchers or farmers • Hard for people to survive

Gutierrez and Magee Dead men tell no tales…live ones get into trouble.

Who was this “Republican Army of the North”? Filibusters and revolutionaries Tejanos Spaniards-mostly ex-army types American volunteers Commanders: Augustus Magee : ex-US Army Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara: General under Hidalgo

“Mexicans” “Americans” A free Mexico What they wanted Spanish-style gov’t : USA-style gov’t: appoint leaders of the vote for leaders of the country. Constitution Close ties with ex. Close ties with USA Spanish colonies

What the Republicans did Captured major cities in Texas (Goliad, Nacogdoches and San Antonio) Set up trials courts Captured La Bahia Defeated Spanish army repeatedly.

What happened? • • Magee dies Gutierrez fired Officers changed as policy changed This meant no stability for Republican govt.

Why Republicans lost • Spanish re-organize • Republicans surrounded by General Arredondo at Battle of Medina • Most killed

Pirates The myth and the revolutionary

Three rebellious “nations” rise up against Spain Argentina Republic of Mexico Venezuela What they need most is a navy

Jean Louis Aury 1813 North Carolina privateer raids Spanish ships Venezuela will make him a privateer-a “legal pirate” if he represents them He does Only known drawing thought to be Aury Venezuela-hires both Aury and Lafitte Aury’s personal flag

Republic of Mexico • Aury also gets Commissioned by Mexican pre-revolution Republic of Mexico as…. . flag • “Civil and Military Governor of Texas” • Establishes a privateering base on Galveston Island, Texas in 1816.

While Aury was away Argentina flag -Aury’s • While Aury away raiding New Spain, Jean Laffite takes over the operation at Galveston

Jean Lafitte • Smart businessman • Worked legal system whenever possible • Avoided killing - it was not smart • Joined “Mexico” to act as a privateer – made his robberies legal • Fought for USA in War of 1812 - to get his men pardoned.

Then came the Adams Onis Treaty Some Americans were not pleased.

Dr Long’s Expeditions Futility incarnate….

Long’s rebellions Background Mississippi Doctor Upset with Adams. Onis giving US land away. Led Several expeditions All failed Came to Texas with army and wife- Jane Long. He did succeed in capturing Nacogdoches. Declared Texas a “free and independent republic”.

Long’s problems 3 expeditions All failed to free Texas Long wanted Jean Lafitte’s help Lafitte refused. He said Long did not have enough men.

Long’s fate • captured and tried in Mexico, • not imprisoned. • not allowed to leave Mexico City. • “Accidentally” shot and killed.

Long’s legacy He was survived by his strongest supporter, who had been left to guard their “fort” at Bolivar Point.

Jane Long • Followed husband John • Came with teen-age slave, Kian • Kept Indians away by bluffing with a cannon. • Had “the first Anglo child in Texas”

Jane Long • Left when Austin colonists told her husband was dead. • Lived out her days running a hotel. • Died Dec. 30 th, 1880

Freedom for Texas would have to wait… Until Mexico became free as well.