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Why It Matters Now 3 The Colonists Rebel Texas’s strong Spanish and Mexican heritage continues to influence our lives today. TERMS & NAMES OBJECTIVES MAIN IDEA the Enlightenment, Father 1. Analyze the contributions of Father Although Spanish settlements were Miguel , liberation, Miguel Hidalgo during the colonization growing, the Spanish crown provided conspire, Grito de Dolores, of Texas. little support. Instead, it imposed Juan Bautista de las Casas, 2. Explain how Texas’s Spanish and harsh laws and taxes that turned José Bernardo Guitiérrez de Mexican heritage is reflected in its the people against Spanish rule. Lara, Augustus Magee culture. Texans helped fight for ’s 3. Explain the significance of 1821. independence from Spain.

The Spanish colonists endured many hardships in an effort to build WHAT Would You Do? new lives for themselves in Texas. Imagine that you are one of these Write your response pioneers. After years of struggle, your small settlement is finally to Interact with History in your Texas Notebook. able to support itself. Unfortunately, the Spanish government is doing little to help. Instead, it seems more concerned with controlling the people and collecting taxes. You have heard that the citizens of the United States and France overthrew their leaders for similar reasons. However, the Spanish government is still very powerful in Texas. Will you support efforts to break free from Spain, or do you feel this move would be too dangerous? Why?

Colonists Grow Unhappy with Spain Throughout the 1700s Spain worked to strengthen its hold on Texas and its other colonies. The small colonies that began with the missions and presidios slowly grew. Gradually, towns sprang up around the missions. Ranches and farms developed outside of the towns. By the last decades of the 1700s, a sense of community began to develop in the Spanish colonies. The settlers learned to work together to solve their problems rather than wait for direction from Spain. They often felt that the king lived too far away to truly understand their needs. Around the same time, Spain became involved in huge problems in Europe. Conflicts with England and France took up much of Spain’s time and proved to be very costly. Soon, Spain had few resources left to send to the colonies. Instead, it placed heavy taxes on the colonists and forced them to donate money to pay for European wars. In addition, the Spanish crown began withdrawing its support of the missions. It also Handmade statue of Saint Anthony, strictly enforced royal laws that the colonists found unfair. for whom San Antonio is named

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The Enlightenment Comes to Mexico By 1800 a feeling of dissatisfaction had spread throughout the colonies. Many colonists were unhappy with Spanish rule. They wanted FATHER OF THE to make their own laws instead of being controlled by the king of Spain. MEXICAN REVOLUTION Meanwhile, in the 1700s a movement called the Enlightenment was Father Hidalgo’s Grito de sweeping through Europe and other parts of the world. During the Dolores, or Cry of Dolores, is Enlightenment people tried to apply reason and science to all aspects of often referred to as the Grito. society, including government. The Enlightenment challenged the idea The ideas set forth in this that kings had a God-given right to rule. Rather, a government should document had a widespread support the people’s natural rights and interests. If a government failed effect on the Mexican people to do this, it should be replaced. The success of the American and French and eventually led to the Mexican war of independence. Revolutions reinforced these ideas among the Mexican people. For this reason, Father Hidalgo is known as the Father of the Mexican Revolution. Father Hidalgo Calls for Independence One of the who strongly believed in the ideals of the Enlightenment was Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Father Hidalgo had worked among Mexican farming families for years in the small liberation the act of becoming village of Dolores, north of . He understood their struggles free and hardships and was saddened by Spain’s lack of concern. As long as conspire to join in a secret the king was in charge, Father Hidalgo said, conditions would never

agreement improve. He called for the liberation of the Mexican people from Spain. ▲ Because of his bravery and his com- When royal officials learned that Father Hidalgo was conspiring to passion for the Mexican people, overthrow the Spanish government, they decided to arrest him. Alerted Father Miguel Hidalgo earned a loyal ahead of time, Hidalgo knew he had three choices. He could stay in Dolores following. ● What is the relationship between the Enlightenment and Father and be arrested, hide out and hope he would not be caught, or begin a Hidalgo’s cry for independence? 153&159 11/18/02 9:21 AM Page 157

revolution. He decided on the third course of action. On 16, 1810, Father Hidalgo gave a speech called the Grito de Dolores, or Cry of Dolores. In it, he called for Mexican citizens to rise up and fight for independence. Although his exact words are unknown, those who heard it remembered his message.

TEXAS VOICES Mexicans, let us break the bonds of slavery with which we have been bound for three centuries! The moment of our freedom has arrived; the hour of our liberty has struck. Let us then unite all those persons who have been born on this happy soil; let us consider as strangers and as enemies of our rights all persons who are not Mexicans. Let us establish a congress composed of representatives of all the cities, towns, and villages of this country. The principal object of that congress will be to maintain our holy religion and to frame wise and helpful laws adapted to the circumstances of each community. Our lawmakers will rule us with the tenderness of parents. They will treat us like brothers; they will banish poverty; they will check the devastation of the kingdom and the expor- tation of its money; they will encourage the arts; and they will cause industry to revive. We shall make free use of the richest productions of our fertile soil; and, in the course of a few years, the Mexicans will enjoy all the delights which God has bestowed upon this vast continent. Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, Grito de Dolores, 1810

Father Hidalgo’s ideas were supported by many settlers in Texas. ANGELDIECISÉIS OF GOLIAD DE However, in 1811, most likely on his way to meet with his supporters, SEPTIEMBRE Hidalgo was seized by Spanish authorities and executed. Although he Today, Mexican Texans con- did not live to see Mexican independence from Spain, Father Hidalgo’s tinue to honor Father Hidalgo ideas had a great effect on the future of Mexico and Texas. each year in a celebration known as Dieciséis de Sep- tiembre, or simply Dieciséis. Hidalgo’s Supporters Rebel Against Spain The celebration is named In Texas, Father Hidalgo’s supporters took up the struggle. A group for the date on which Father of rebels led by Juan Bautista de las Casas overthrew the Spanish govern- Hidalgo called for the defeat ment in San Antonio. They named Las Casas governor and then took of Spanish rule—September 16, 1810. control of La Bahía and Nacogdoches. On January 22, 1811, Las Casas declared the Mexican state of Texas independent from Spain. Las Casas’s revolution was short-lived, however. Forces loyal to Spain rose up against the rebels. On March 2, 1811, the loyalists captured Las Casas. Fearing for their lives, his supporters fled. In July, Spanish rule was reestablished in Texas. Las Casas was executed soon afterward. Mexican Unrest Continues Even though the rebellion led by Father Hidalgo and Las Casas failed, it opened people’s eyes to the possibility of freedom. Furthermore, Las Casas’s limited success showed that the Spanish king’s forces could be defeated. With the right plan and a strong army, the colonists might be

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Mexico After Independence, 1821 40°N

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▲ When Mexico later gained independence from Spain, it included most of what is now the southern United States. ● How far east did Mexico’s claim extend into the present-day United States?

able to win. These important ideas grew into a powerful movement for Mexican independence. Father Hidalgo’s followers continued to fight for independence in the years following his death. After the priest was killed, José Bernardo QUINCEAÑERAS Gutiérrez de Lara left Nuevo Santander and fled to Louisiana, where he One popular Texas tradition raised an army. Gutiérrez and his army commander, Augustus Magee, a has been passed down by former U.S. Army officer, marched back to Texas and briefly took control Tejanos for generations. When a Mexican Texan girl turns from Spain before being defeated. Other supporters of independence 15 years old, she often cele- fought for control of Mexico. brates with a special fifteenth- Meanwhile in Spain, a group of liberals staged a successful revolt. In year ceremony, or quinceañera 1820, they forced the king to make changes that frightened the conser- (keen•seh•ah•NYEH•rah). The vatives in Mexico. The conservatives had opposed independence, but the quinceañera signals the girl’s revolt in Spain changed their minds. They joined with Father Hidalgo’s passage into womanhood. The birthday girl, in a fancy white followers to defeat the Spanish forces. On August 24, 1821, a treaty was dress, attends a church serv- signed, making Mexico independent from Spain. Texas became part of ice with 14 friends—one for the new Republic of Mexico. each year of her life. After the service, everyone is invited to a party to Spanish Influence Lives On celebrate. For hundreds of years, Spain was a powerful force in Texas. Spaniards explored the land, founded missions, built towns, and developed ranches. Spain also sent colonists from Europe and Mexico to populate the land. These people’s cultures, beliefs, laws, religions, and customs have had a major impact on Texas. Even though Spain lost political control of Texas, Spanish influence has remained strong throughout the state’s history. One of Spain’s most important contributions to Texas has been the Spanish language. The names of rivers, cities, landforms, foods, and

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Image not available for use on CD-ROM. Please refer to the image in the textbook.

everyday items are a constant reminder of Texas’s Spanish heritage. Also, the Spaniards brought cows, horses, sheep, and pigs to the state. They started the cattle industry, ranching, rodeos, and the wool industry. Texas also owes its uniqueness to its Mexican roots. The Mexican people who settled Texas for Spain brought with them many religious ceremonies, festivals, and traditions that still shape our culture today. Spanish and Mexican art, architecture, music, and literature can be seen throughout the state. Together with the Spaniards, the Mexican Texans have helped give Texas both a rich history and a style all its own.

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Terms & Names Organizing Information What do your answers tell 3. What is the significance Identify: Using a spider map like the you about Spanish and of the year 1821? Mexican influence on Texas? • Father Miguel one below, list six examples Interact with History Hidalgo of Spanish or Mexican Critical Thinking • liberation heritage found in modern- Review your response to • conspire day Texas. 1. Why do you think Father Interact with History in your Miguel Hidalgo is known Texas Notebook. How do as the Father of the you think you would have Mexican Revolution? reacted to Father Hidalgo’s SPANISH Grito? Would it have OR MEXICAN 2. Describe one Texas cele- INFLUENCE IN bration, activity, or tradi- affected your decision about TEXAS tional performance that breaking free from Spain? has its roots in Spanish or Why or why not? Mexican culture. ACTIVITY In recognition of Texas’s Spanish heritage, the state legislature named chili the state dish. Research an Culture authentic chili recipe to share with the class.

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