Lesson 6: New Spain and Independence for Texas

Key Idea

Spain established the Spanish mission system in California to control its territory and convert American Indians to Christianity. At the missions, American Indians were often forced into labor and lost their traditional cultures, but they also learned new skills like farming and ranching.

After Mexico won independence, the government broke up the missions into large cattle ranches called ranchos. The Mexican and Indian workers on these ranchos developed expert skills for managing large herds from horseback. These cowhands, known as vaqueros, created a unique culture that heavily influenced the American cowboy.

Key Idea

For centuries, Mexican ranchers developed skills for managing cattle in the dry Southwest. The expert horsemen who did this work were called vaqueros. They created the tools and techniques needed for life on the open range, including the specialized saddle, lariat, and branding.

When new American settlers arrived, they learned cattle ranching from the vaqueros. They adopted the vaquero's gear, clothing, and methods for conducting a rodeo, or roundup. The iconic American cowboy grew directly from this rich Mexicano tradition.

Key Idea

When American settlers moved to the Mexican territory of Texas, they agreed to follow certain rules. The Mexican government expected them to learn Spanish and become Catholic. However, most settlers did not assimilate into Mexican culture and continued their own way of life.

This created conflict as the Mexican government tried to enforce its authority. A major point of disagreement was Mexico's ban on slavery. Many American settlers from the South had brought enslaved people to work on cotton plantations and strongly resisted this law. These growing tensions over culture, government, and slavery set the stage for a rebellion.

Key Idea

Growing disagreements over slavery and government control led American settlers in Texas to declare independence from Mexico in 1836. This action sparked the Texas Revolution. General Antonio López de Santa Anna led the Mexican army to put down the rebellion.

Though Texan defenders were defeated at the famous Battle of the Alamo, the loss inspired others to join the fight. The Texan army later won a surprise victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. This victory secured Texas's independence, and the new nation became known as the Lone Star Republic.