Analyze how the Mexican government avoided making a decision about slavery.
ANSWERS
1.They left it up to the individual states.
2.They made the Mexican government agree to honor labor contracts.
3.The economy grew because Texas was able to plant and harvest more cotton for free.
4.Mexican law and Mexican policy contradicted each other.
5.The Mexican government wanted Anglo-Americans to buy land in Texas.
One must fall for another to rise - me
Analyzing how the Mexican government avoided making a decision about slavery:
1. They left it up to the individual states: Rather than enacting a national policy on slavery, the Mexican government allowed each state to determine its stance on the issue. This approach left the decision-making power in the hands of local authorities, effectively avoiding a clear stance at the national level.
2. They made the Mexican government agree to honor labor contracts: The Mexican government signed labor contracts that included a provision prohibiting the introduction of slavery. By doing so, they indirectly restricted the establishment of slavery in those regions where the contracts were in effect.
3. The economy grew because Texas was able to plant and harvest more cotton for free: Plantations in Texas, which had a significant number of enslaved individuals, were able to produce large amounts of cotton without the cost of labor. This boosted the economy, creating an incentive for the Mexican government to turn a blind eye to the issue of slavery.
4. Mexican law and Mexican policy contradicted each other: While Mexican law officially banned slavery, the government's actual policy towards the institution was often more lenient. This discrepancy allowed the Mexican government to avoid taking a decisive stance on slavery, maintaining a certain level of ambiguity.
5. The Mexican government wanted Anglo-Americans to buy land in Texas: In an effort to strengthen their position in Texas, the Mexican government encouraged Anglo-American settlers to purchase land. This strategy aimed to increase the Mexican government's influence in the region but also inadvertently led to the spread of slavery as many of these settlers were slaveholders.
It is important to note that these factors contributed to the Mexican government's avoidance of making a decision about slavery in Texas during the relevant period.
The correct answer is:
4. Mexican law and Mexican policy contradicted each other.
Explanation: The Mexican government had contradictory laws and policies regarding slavery. On one hand, the 1824 Mexican Constitution prohibited slavery, and the government was against the institution. However, they also had agricultural policies that encouraged immigration to Texas and the expansion of cotton farming, which relied heavily on slave labor. The contradiction between these two stances allowed the government to avoid making a clear decision on the issue of slavery.
To analyze how the Mexican government avoided making a decision about slavery, we need to examine the historical context and key factors involved.
1. The Mexican government left it up to individual states: One way the Mexican government avoided making a decision about slavery was by allowing individual states to determine their own stance on the issue. This decentralized approach allowed states such as Coahuila y Tejas (which included Texas) to decide whether to allow or prohibit slavery within their borders.
To understand this, you can research the Mexican Constitution of 1824, which granted states the authority to manage their own internal affairs, including the regulation of slavery. By giving states this autonomy, the Mexican government indirectly avoided grappling with the contentious issue at the national level.
2. The Mexican government made agreements to honor labor contracts: Another method employed by the Mexican government was to negotiate labor contracts that would protect the rights of existing slaves and their owners. This approach aimed to maintain stability and avoid escalating conflicts related to the institution of slavery.
You can explore historical documents, such as the Treaties of Velasco in 1836, which were signed after the Texas Revolution. These treaties included provisions guaranteeing the property rights of slave owners and promising the protection of existing slave populations.
3. The economy benefited from increased cotton production: The Mexican government indirectly benefited from the growth of the economy resulting from the expansion of cotton production in Texas. As the demand for cotton in the global market increased, Texas emerged as a significant cotton producer.
To understand this aspect, you can look into the Mexican government's recognition of the economic advantages associated with cotton cultivation, which contributed to its reluctance to confront the issue of slavery directly.
4. Contradictions between Mexican law and policy: A contradiction between Mexican law and policy related to slavery further complicated decision-making. While Mexican law discouraged slavery, the Mexican government's actions at times contradicted this stance. This discrepancy allowed the Mexican government to avoid definitive action on the issue.
To explore this further, you can examine the Mexican government's various laws, decrees, and policies concerning slavery, including the General Colonization Law of 1823 and the Law of April 6, 1830, which aimed to restrict Anglo-American immigration to Texas.
5. Encouragement of Anglo-American land ownership: Finally, the Mexican government's desire to attract Anglo-American settlers to Texas played a role in avoiding a firm decision on slavery. By encouraging Anglo-Americans to buy land in Texas, the Mexican government aimed to increase the region's population and stimulate economic development.
You can research the Mexican government's land policies and immigration incentives to gain more insight into their strategy of promoting Anglo-American settlement while avoiding direct resolution of the slavery issue.
By analyzing these historical factors, one can gain a deeper understanding of how the Mexican government avoided making a clear decision about slavery. Remember to consult credible sources, historical records, and expert opinions to acquire a comprehensive perspective on the topic.