Texas During the Mexican War of Independence

In this experience students examine key events in Texas during the Mexican War of Independence, including the role of José Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara and the Battle of Medina. They learn how the Constitution of 1824 created the state of Coahuila y Tejas and how Erasmo Seguín represented Texas interests in the new Mexican government. Finally, they examine the lasting Spanish cultural influences in Texas.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for Texas During the Mexican War of Independence:

Preview - Scene 1
Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Engage


Overview

Students examine key events in Texas during the Mexican War of Independence, including the role of José Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara and the Battle of Medina. They learn how the Constitution of 1824 created the state of Coahuila y Tejas and how Erasmo Seguín represented Texas interests in the new Mexican government. Finally, they examine the lasting Spanish cultural influences in Texas.

Objectives:

  • Describe the impact that individuals had on Mexico becoming an independent nation
  • Identify the significance of the Treaty of Cordoba in 1821 and the Constitution of 1824


From 1810 to 1821, people in Mexico fought to end Spanish rule. The conflict also affected Texas, which was then part of New Spain. Fighting, political unrest, and attempts to challenge Spanish authority reached Texas as different groups supported or resisted independence.

In this lesson, you will examine important events in Texas during the Mexican War of Independence and consider how those events connected Texas to the larger struggle against Spanish rule.

Objectives

  • Describe the role of individuals, including José Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara, in the struggle for Mexican independence.
  • Explain the significance of Mexican independence in 1821 and the Constitution of 1824.


snow falls as someone makes a speech from a balcony

Annual Re-enactment of the Grito de Dolores Speech on September 16


During a war for independence, people living in the same region may support different sides. What are some reasons a person might support the existing government? What are some reasons a person might support independence?

Post your answer

Student answers may include loyalty to the government, fear of change, military service, economic interests, political beliefs, desire for greater self-government, or dissatisfaction with existing rule. Accept reasonable responses. Emphasize that people living in Texas did not all support the same side during the Mexican War of Independence.

The terms students may encounter in the readings include:

Spanish side:

  • royalists: people who supported the Spanish king and continued Spanish rule
  • loyalists: people who remained loyal to Spanish authority
  • colonial authorities: Spanish officials and institutions responsible for governing the colony

Supporters of independence:

  • rebels: people who resisted or fought against the existing government
  • insurgents: people involved in an armed uprising against the government
  • revolutionaries: people seeking major political change, including an end to Spanish rule
  • republicans: people who supported establishing a republic rather than rule by a king

Explain that these terms are related but are not exact synonyms. A person described as a rebel or insurgent was resisting Spanish authority, while a republican specifically supported a particular form of government. Different sources may use different terms depending on the person or group being described.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.


End of Preview
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
Would you like to preview the rest of this learning experience, and get access to the entire functioning Texas History MS course for your classroom? Sign up using your school email address below.
Back to top