List some differences the Texan and Mexican perspectives after the war for independence
1. Political Systems: After the war for independence, Texas became an independent republic, whereas Mexico's political system transitioned into a federal republic. Texas established a separate government with its own constitution, while Mexico adopted a federalist constitution with a centralized government.
2. National Identity: Texans developed a strong sense of individual identity and saw themselves as separate from Mexico, considering themselves Texans first and Mexican second. On the other hand, Mexicans saw Texas as a part of their country and considered Texans as Mexican citizens who were rebelling against Mexican authority.
3. Land Ownership: Mexicans viewed land as communal property, where individuals had usage rights but not complete ownership. In contrast, Anglo-American settlers in Texas brought their concept of private land ownership and opposed Mexican laws that restricted large land grants.
4. Slavery: Slavery was allowed in Mexico but was significantly restricted by law. However, Anglo-Americans in Texas, many of whom were slaveholders, were able to retain and expand their slaveholding under Mexican rule. Mexico later abolished slavery in 1829, which led to growing tensions with Texans.
5. Cultural Differences: Mexicans predominantly spoke Spanish and followed Catholicism as their main religion, whereas Texans were primarily English-speaking Protestants. This linguistic and religious divide deepened cultural differences between the two groups.
6. Economic Systems: Mexicans relied on a hacienda-based agricultural system, where large estates produced agricultural goods for local consumption and trade. In contrast, Texans developed a more individualistic and market-oriented economy, engaging in ranching, farming, and trade.
7. Relations with Indigenous Peoples: Mexican perspectives emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and considered them citizens with certain legal protections. However, some Texans held a more hostile view towards indigenous peoples and often clashed with them.
8. Annexation: After Texas won independence, it sought annexation by the United States, which was opposed by Mexico. Mexicans considered annexation a violation of their sovereignty and a threat to their national security. This eventually led to the Mexican–American War.
Overall, the Texan perspective after the war for independence was focused on maintaining their newly achieved independence and ultimately seeking annexation to the United States, while the Mexican perspective emphasized the preservation of national sovereignty and the prevention of territorial loss.