Mier Y Teran Report

Mier y Teran Report Questions KEY

1. Mexico City- November 10, 1827 What was the purpose of the expedition that was created by President Victoria?

To observe the number and attitudes of Americans living there and determine the U.S.-Mexico boundary b/w the Sabine and Red Rivers

What concerns did the Mexican Government have about some of the empresarios and colonists in Texas?

 Empresarios – some contracts needed to be canceled due to non-fulfillment or improper behavior; others wanted to sell their land to people in the U.S.  Colonists – some were possibly agents working secretly to undermine Mexican control of the department

2. Dinner in San Antonio- March 1, 1828 What is Mier y Teran’s initial impression of San Antonio?

It was small in comparison to the large cities in Mexico, but he welcomed the fact that many things reminded him of home

How can Mier y Teran tell that Mexico still has strong influence on the city?

The majority of the population is of Mexican heritage and the names of San Antonio’s town leaders all point to strong influence of Mexican ideas.

What reasons does the alcalde give for this?

The city is closer to Mexico than the U.S. As a result, San Antonio has held on to its Mexican identity well and many people speak English and Spanish and buy and sell Mexican and American goods. Majority of people adhered to social and religious customs of Mexico. And the Mexican soldados are stationed to keep law and order.

3. Tavern in San Felipe de Austin April 27, 1828 How do the people feel about Mier y Teran’ being in their town? Why?

They believed it wasn’t right for the Mexican government to tell them what to do. They wanted a stronger local government. How do the people feel about the Mexican centralist government? Why?

They wanted more control and independence than the national (centralist) government was giving them.

4. Nacogdoches Market June 3, 1828 Where are the people Mier y Teran observes originally from? (which part of the world)

80% or most are from America/U.S.; 20% are from Mexico

What does Mier y Teran observe about the people in the town? (4 Facts)

 Most people don’t speak Spanish  Everyone there speaks English  They didn’t need to learn Spanish  People are selling things  Most are from America

5. Religious Practices in Bastrop December 30, 1828 What does Mier y Teran learn about how people worship from the first person on the street?

Work was more important than church. People preferred their own church practices as opposed to the fancy rituals of the Catholic church.

Where type of church does Mier y Teran observe?

A small church that has no Catholic mass conducted in Latin nor the practice of communion.

How does the Spanish government feel about this type of religious practice? Why?

The Spanish government doesn’t approve of these new religious practices. They believe the Catholic church is the only true religious practice.

6. The Schoolhouse in Goliad January 16, 1829 What type of history are they teaching?

U.S. History What assumptions can Mier y Teran make about the people living in Goliad?

Most are American and speak English.

Why does Mier y Teran see this as a problem?

People are raising their kids to learn U.S. History and American ways rather than Spanish/Mexican ways.

7. Mier y Teran’s Observations in Matamoros March 7, 1829 From the viewpoint of Mier y Teran, what positive things did he see in San Antonio? Negative?

Positive  many people were respectful, including SFA and other American colonists  political power was still in the hands of the Mexicans Negative  Texans call Mexicans from interior Mexico “foreigners”  Americans have taken possession of almost all East Texas

What percentage of the population of San Felipe de Austin are Mexican? What does this tell Mier y Teran about the city?

5%; Americans and Europeans dominate the city demographically

What is Mier y Teran’s reaction to the Mexicans he sees in Nacogdoches? Provide quotes to support your answer.

“Very humble people…intentions are good…but they’ve adopted American customs and habits…not Mexican except by birth…speak Spanish incorrectly” Answers to Map Questions

2A. about 150 miles

2B. From Gonzales to Goliad

2C. about 200 miles

3. Nacogdoches

4. Matamoras

5. about 50 miles; strong American influence…could possibly travel back and forth easily