Mexico-United States Relations in the 1820s

Students learn about the relationship Mexico had with the United States and the new settlers. They also compare and contrast the Americans’ and Mexican government’s views on slavery. Then, they learn how the Texas settlers felt about being part of Mexico.

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Overview

In this experience, students learn about the relationship Mexico had with the United States and the new settlers. They also compare and contrast the Americans’ and Mexican government’s views on slavery. Then, they learn how the Texas settlers felt about being part of Mexico.

Objectives:

  • Describe the relationship between Mexico and the United States in the 1820s
  • Compare and contrast American and Mexican views on government and slavery
  • Determine whether settlers in Texas thought of themselves as part of Mexico


When Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, Anglo-American immigration into Texas began to increase. Empresarios received contracts to bring settlers into Mexican Texas, where Tejano and Indigenous communities already lived.

As the number of immigrants from the United States grew, some Mexican officials became concerned about U.S. influence in Texas. They worried about illegal immigration, settlers who did not always follow Mexican laws, and the possibility that the United States might try to acquire the region.

Those concerns increased when U.S. President Andrew Jackson sought to purchase Texas from Mexico in 1829, reportedly offering $5 million. Mexico rejected the proposal, but the offer added to fears that the United States wanted to expand into Mexican territory.

Objectives:

  • Describe the relationship between Mexico and the United States in the 1820s
  • Compare and contrast American and Mexican views on government and slavery
  • Determine whether settlers in Texas thought of themselves as part of Mexico


portrait of a U.S. President Andrew Jackson

U.S. President Andrew Jackson


Predict how Mexican leaders might have viewed President Jackson’s offer to buy Texas. What concerns might the offer have increased?

Post your answer

Share some interesting or exemplary answers to the class for discussion. If possible, choose samples with differing opinions about what the students thought Mexico decided to do.

Mexico declined Jackson’s offer.


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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Mexican National Era Unit.

Life in the Texas Settlements

Mexico-United States Relations in the 1820s

Texas During the Mexican War of Independence

Colonizing Texas, 1821–1830

The Weakening of Spanish Rule

Austin’s Texas Colony

Mexican National Era: Unit Review
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