Mexico–Republic of Texas relations facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Texan–Mexican relations

Republic of Texas	Mexico

The Republic of Texas–Mexico relations describes the history between the Republic of Texas and Mexico. These relations started in 1836 when the Treaties of Velasco were signed. These treaties basically said that Texas was independent from Mexico. However, the Mexican Government never officially agreed that Texas was independent.

The relationship between Texas and Mexico was often unfriendly. It continued until 1845. This was when the United States took over Texas. This event then led to the start of the Mexican–American War.

Texas as a Mexican Territory

Independent Texas shown by Texan Flag, Mexican territory claimed by Texas shown in Velvet Red.

Before Texas became its own country, it was a part of Mexico. At that time, only about 4,000 Tejanos lived there. In 1824, the Mexican Government wanted more people to live in Texas. So, they invited Americans to move there.

The Mexican Government had some rules for these new settlers. They had to:

• Learn the Spanish language.
• Become Roman Catholics.
• Be loyal to the Mexican Government.

By 1832, about 30,000 American settlers had moved to Texas. Most of them did not follow these rules. Many also brought slavery with them, which was against Mexican law. When Mexico started to stop slavery, many settlers wanted to break away. This led to the Texas Revolution. After the revolution, Texas became independent.

Ongoing Conflicts After Independence

Thomas Gamaliel Bradford's 1838 map of the Republic of Texas, showing the Nueces River as its southern boundary

A different version of Bradford's 1838 map, showing the Rio Grande as Texas's southern boundary

Even though General Santa Anna surrendered to the Texans, the fighting did not stop. Texas claimed large parts of New Mexico that they never actually controlled. Mexico also kept trying to take back land from Texas.

Mexico's View on Texas Independence

Mexico never officially said that Texas was independent. The Mexican Government still thought of Texas as a part of Mexico that was rebelling. By 1838, Texas had strong control over its eastern lands. But most of the land Texas claimed in the Treaty of Velasco was still controlled by Native American groups or Mexico.

Texas said its official southern and western border was the Rio Grande. Mexico thought this was a silly idea. They believed that if any border existed, it should be at the Nueces River. The Mexican army often tried to get its territory back from Texas.

See also

In Spanish: Relaciones México-República de Texas para niños