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History Document Analysis

Doing History: Texas
Read the excerpt from Meir y Teran about Mexican worries of American expansion in Texas
Meir y Teran to Pueblo Viejo, Nov 24, 1829

The department of Texas is contiguous to the most avid nation in the world. The North Americans have conquered whatever territory adjoins them. In less than half a century, they have become masters of extensive colonies which formerly belonged to Spain and France, and of even more spacious territories from which have disappeared the former owners, the Indian tribes. There is no Power like that to the north, which by silent means, has made conquests of momentous importance. Such dexterity, such constancy in their designs, such uniformity of means of execution which always are completely successful, arouses admiration. Instead of armies, battles, or invasions, which make a great noise and for the most part are unsuccessful, these men lay hands on means, which, if considered one by one, would be rejected as slow, ineffective, and at times palpably absurd. …. The territory against which these machinations are directed, and which has usually remained unsettled, begins to be visited by adventurers and empresarios; some of these take up their residence in the country, pretending that their location has no bearing upon the question of their government's claim or the boundary disputes; shortly, some of these forerunners develop an interest which complicates the political administration of the coveted territory; complaints, even threats, begin to be heard, working on the loyalty of the legitimate settlers, discrediting the efficiency of the existing authority and administration; and the matter having arrived at this stage—which is precisely that of Texas at this moment—diplomatic maneuvers begin: They incite uprisings in the territory in question and usually manifest a deep concern for the rights of the inhabitants.

Read the excerpt below from a Tejano elite
Tejano elite favors American immigration

What shall we say of the law of April 6, 1830? It absolutely prohibits immigrants from North America coming into Texas, but there are not enough troops to enforce it; so the result is that desirable immigrants are kept out because they will not violate the law, while the undesirable, having nothing to lose, come in freely. The industrious, honest North American settlers have made great improvements in the past seven or eight years. They have raised cotton and cane and erected gins and sawmills. Their industry has made them comfortable and independent, while the Mexican settlements, depending on the pay of the soldiers among them for money, have lagged far behind. Among the Mexican settlements even the miserable manufacture of blankets, hats and shoes has never been established, and we must buy them either from foreigners or from the interior, 200 or 300 leagues distant. We have had a loom in Bexar for two years, but the inhabitants of Goliad and Nacogdoches know nothing of this ingenious machine, nor even how to make a sombrero.

The advantages of liberal North American immigration are innumerable: (1) The colonists would afford a source of supply for the native inhabitants. (2) They would protect the interior from Indian invasions. (3) They would develop roads and commerce to New Orleans and New Mexico. (4) Moreover, the ideas of government held by North Americans are in general better adapted to those of the Mexicans than are the ideas of European immigrants.

Instructions:
Historians have to interpret sources with conflicting opinions and viewpoints and try to make an argument. This can be complicated and difficult. Sometimes you have to take a side on a complicated argument, other times, you have to thread the needle between two valid historical viewpoints.

Write a long paragraph or several short paragraphs using the sources above to make an argument about American immigration to Texas from the Mexican perspective?

Full Answer Section

The Tejano elite, on the other hand, were generally more supportive of American immigration. They saw the Americans as industrious and hardworking people who could help to develop Texas economically. They also believed that the Americans would bring new ideas and technologies to Texas, which would benefit the region as a whole. The excerpt from the Tejano elite also highlights the economic disparity between the Mexican and American settlements in Texas. The American settlers were generally more prosperous and successful than the Mexican settlers. This was due to a number of factors, including the fact that the Americans had access to more land and resources, and that they were more likely to have experience with farming and business. The issue of American immigration to Texas was a complex one, and there was no easy solution. The Mexican government was understandably concerned about the potential loss of territory, while the Tejano elite saw the benefits of American immigration. Ultimately, the issue was resolved through the Texas Revolution and the subsequent annexation of Texas by the United States. Here are some additional thoughts on the two excerpts:

Meir y Teran's excerpt is a good example of how Mexican officials were viewing the American threat in the early 1800s. They were aware that the United States was a rapidly expanding power, and they were worried that Texas would be next.
The excerpt from the Tejano elite shows that there was a range of opinions on the issue of American immigration within the Tejano community. Some Tejanos were supportive of American immigration, while others were concerned about the potential loss of Mexican culture and identity.
The economic disparity between the Mexican and American settlements in Texas is also an important factor to consider. The American settlers were generally more prosperous and successful, which may have made them more attractive to the Tejano elite.

Conclusion The two excerpts you have provided offer valuable insights into the complex issue of American immigration to Texas in the early 1800s. They show that there were a range of perspectives on the issue, and that the economic disparity between the Mexican and American settlements was an important factor to consider.

Sample Answer

The two excerpts you have provided offer contrasting perspectives on the issue of American immigration to Texas in the early 1800s.

Meir y Teran, a Mexican official, was deeply concerned about the growing number of American settlers in Texas. He believed that the Americans were ultimately planning to take over the territory, and he warned that they would use "silent means" to achieve their goals. Teran's concerns were not unfounded. The United States had already expanded its territory westward significantly in the previous decades, and it was clear that Texas was next on its list.