Critical Thinking Circles

EXPANSION IN TEXAS

Why did tensions develop between Native Americans

and Mexican inhabitants of

Texas?

QUESTION #1

Spain’s system of Roman Catholic missions tried to convert Native Americans to Catholicism.

ANSWER

Why did Mexico invite American

settlers to Texas?

QUESTION #2

To prevent border violations by horse

thieves and to protect the territory

from Native American attacks

ANSWER

What role did Stephen Austin

play in the American

settlement of Texas?

QUESTION #3

Austin established a colony between the

Brazos and Colorado rivers, where “no

drunkard, no gambler, or profane swearer, and no idler” would be allowed.

ANSWER

Why did the Anglo settlers in Texas rebel against the

Mexican government?

QUESTION #4

Mexico had been promoting immigration to that region to the point where there was a

huge influx of American citizens interested in the

cheap land. This worried the Mexican government, who

decided to restrict immigration and take away some of the land granted to

the American settlers.

ANSWER

What was the significance of the

battle at the Alamo?

QUESTION #5

The battle of the Alamo is a long-recognized symbol of bravery in the

face of unbeatable odds. Although the battle itself lasted only 90 minutes, it was the culmination of a 13-day siege by General Antonio López de Santa

Anna's troops against the outnumbered inhabitants of the fort. It is the site

where some of America's most revered legends, including Davy Crockett and

Jim Bowie, died.

ANSWER

How did Texas eventually become

the 28th state in the Union?

QUESTION #6

Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna at the Battle of San

Jacinto. The victorious Texans set Santa Anna free after he signed the Treaty of Velasco,

which granted independence to Texas. In 1838, Houston invited the

US to annex Texas. James K Polk wins presidency and favored the

annexation of Texas.

ANSWER