📖 Part 1: Reading Passage

Texas Under Spanish and Mexican Rule (1519-1836)

The history of Texas during the Spanish Colonial and Mexican National periods spans over three centuries of dramatic change. When Spanish conquistadors first arrived in the early 1500s, they encountered numerous Native American tribes who had lived on the land for thousands of years. The Spanish established a complex colonial system designed to control the vast territory and convert indigenous peoples to Christianity.

Spanish colonization efforts included building missions throughout Texas, which served as religious and cultural centers. These missions were often protected by nearby presidios (military forts) and supported by civilian settlements called pueblos. The encomienda system granted Spanish colonists control over Native American labor and tribute, while later the hacienda system created large ranch estates. Spanish officials like the viceroy governed from Mexico City, implementing policies across New Spain.

When Mexico gained independence in 1821, Texas became part of the new Mexican nation. The Mexican government, seeking to populate the sparsely settled region, began offering land grants called empresario contracts to attract settlers. Colonists who received these grants had to agree to become Mexican citizens, convert to Catholicism, and follow Mexican law. Stephen F. Austin became the most successful empresario, bringing thousands of American families to Texas.

The Mexican Constitution of 1824 established a federalist system of government, giving states significant autonomy. However, tensions grew between the Mexican government and Texas settlers over issues including slavery, religion, and political representation. These conflicts eventually led to the Texas Revolution and independence in 1836, ending the Mexican National period in Texas history.

🔗 Part 2: Vocabulary Matching

Instructions: Match each vocabulary term with its correct definition by writing the letter in the space provided.

✏️ Part 3: Writing in Context

Instructions: Write five original sentences using at least five different vocabulary words from the list above. Each sentence should demonstrate your understanding of the word's meaning in the context of Texas colonial history.