The Weakening of Spanish Rule

Students learn about different factors and events contributing to the weakening of Spanish rule over Mexico and Texas. They study timelines of global events and Mexican history to see how the events are interrelated. They analyze Father Hidalgo’s “Grito de Dolores” speech, and then they read about different filibusters and elaborate on their influence on the shaping of 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.

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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 The Weakening of Spanish Rule:

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Overview

In this experience, students learn about different factors and events contributing to the weakening of Spanish rule over Mexico and Texas. They study timelines of global events and Mexican history to see how the events are interrelated. They analyze Father Hidalgo’s “Grito de Dolores” speech, and then they read about different filibusters and elaborate on their influence on the shaping of Texas.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 2 through scene 4.

Objectives:

  • Describe why Spanish colonial control was weak in Texas in the early 1800s
  • Identify the filibusters in Texas and the impact they had on Texans’ drive for independence
  • Explain the issues that caused people in Mexico to rebel against Spanish rule
  • Describe the impact of Father Miguel Hidalgo on the dream of Mexican Independence


Spain controlled large parts of the Americas for centuries, including Mexico and the land that is now Texas. In this lesson, you will learn how events in Europe, growing challenges in Mexico, and developments in Texas weakened Spanish authority in the region.

Objectives:

  • Describe why Spanish colonial control was weak in Texas in the early 1800s
  • Identify the filibusters in Texas and the impact they had on Texans’ drive for independence
  • Explain the issues that caused people in Mexico to rebel against Spanish rule
  • Describe the impact of Father Miguel Hidalgo on the dream of Mexican Independence


flag with green, white, and red panels

Flag of Mexico


What kinds of problems might weaken a powerful empire over time?

Post your answer

Students may suggest many different factors that could weaken an empire. Encourage responses such as:

  • wars or conflicts with other countries
  • political disagreements or weak leadership
  • economic problems
  • rebellions or resistance within the empire
  • difficulty governing territories that are far away
  • competition from other powers

Accept reasonable answers. The goal is not for students to know the specific causes yet, but to begin thinking about how a powerful government can lose control over time.

Use their responses to transition into the lesson: Spain faced several challenges in Europe, Mexico, and Texas that weakened its authority and eventually contributed to the end of Spanish rule in the region.


Divide students into their small groups for the next three scenes. 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
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