The opening of Texas to settlement in the early 1820s resulted in major changes. Trade expanded, and the population grew. Many Anglo American settlers received land titles and established towns, schools, and newspapers. At first, the colonists in Texas were mostly left alone by the Mexican government. In 1829, however, Mexico issued regulations to bring its states and provinces more under the authority of the national government. Most of the Anglo American colonists considered these regulations unfair.
Clashes Occur The first clash between colonists and Mexican authorities occurred in 1826. An empresario named Haden Edwards and his brother Benjamin led a small group of settlers in taking the Old Stone Fort in Nacogdoches. They proclaimed the area the Republic of Fredonia—independent of Mexico. Although the revolt was put down by Mexican troops, Mexican officials became worried that it was part of an American scheme to acquire Texas. Mexico issued a law that stopped all immigration from the United States, set up new forts, and discouraged trade between foreign nations and Texas. The Texas settlers were alarmed by these actions.
Settlers Protest In May 1832, a small skirmish occurred between the colonists and the Mexican commander at the port town of Anahuac. The colonists adopted the Turtle Bayou Resolutions, in which they denied rebelling against Mexican authority. Instead, the settlers declared their loyalty to Santa Anna, a Mexican general who supported Texas.
The Texans held a convention in 1832, resolving that Texas be made a separate Mexican state and that immigration from the United States be permitted again. The Convention of 1833 adopted similar resolutions, and Stephen F. Austin was chosen to take the resolutions to Santa Anna in Mexico City. Austin became imprisoned, however, and did not return to Texas for more than two years.
Trouble erupted around Anahuac again in early 1835. This time, Mexican General Cós demanded that the Texans involved in the disturbances be arrested and turned over to the military for trial. Colonial leaders called for a convention to discuss the situation, and Stephen F. Austin urged the people of Texas to unite against Mexico.
