History ETDs

Publication Date

6-3-1968

Abstract

A continuous stream of Americans started passing into the Spanish provinces at the beginning of the Nineteenth Century. They were largely people who entered the area illegally. This thesis deals with only those who did come illegally into Texas during the periods of Spanish and Mexican rule. There were basically two types of intruders, one, the quasi-patriotic filibuster: the other, the volunteer for the armies of the rebelling Texans. These filibusters and neutrality violators had many significant attributes. Macy were lured to filibustering in the area by the stories of gold in the fabled Spanish provinces. Later, the promise of script or bounty lands for service in the Texas army, was the foremost attraction to Americans. Throughout both the early and later periods ran a strain of patriotic fervor that helped make as one both types of men and their particular brand of lawlessness. A patriotism born of the aftermath of our own Revolution, many held to the zeal and the naive belief that all areas could escape from tyranny and oppressive rule. Sympathy naturally went out to all peoples in the world who would rebel to shake off tyranny and oppression. Their attention at this time was especially turned to Latin America and the many Spanish colonies struggling to be free. These zealous Americans were uneasy under any assertion of central authority. In these citizen's minds lay one object: to help fight for 'freedom' everywhere. They followed their inclinations without a thought to diplomacy, international relations and such abstractions as neutrality and national honor.

Along with this gullibility in pursuance of revolutionary causes was a desire for additional land for the United States. Claims to Texas had been raised at the time of the Louisiana Purchase and continued throughout the period. the diplomatic struggle that ensued reached its climax with the annexation of Texas. This action helped bring about the Mexican War.

With each successive administration, there was presented a growing change in Uni tad States policy toward Spain and Mexico concerning Texas and other northern provinces. The desires of the public had become those of the Government over the years. There had always been a cautiousness displayed in the Governmental profession of these desires that was missing in the public. Slowly the desires concerning Texas and the active pursuance of them by the public and Government became one.

The intrigues and careful bargaining of the earlier days disappeared before the strong stand taken on Texas bringing about its annexation. The threat of a final break with Mexico which had kept the United States reluctant to act for years was not avoided any longer. The Mexican war was the ultimate result. It stemmed from an agitation building among the adventuresome and patriotic Americans over the decades.

The final push forward accomplished by the Government culminating in the war, had been begun years before by individual and mass vanguards of Manifest Destiny.

Level of Degree

Masters

Degree Name

History

Department Name

History

First Committee Member (Chair)

Donald Colgett Cutter

Second Committee Member

William Miner Dabney

Third Committee Member

Sabine R. Ulibarrí

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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