The first phase of the Texas Revolution

During the 1820's, Mexican officials permitted Anglo-Americans to settle in Texas because all immigration schemes instigated by their Spanish predecessors to populate the area had failed. Furthermore, the Mexicans feared that if the province remained uninhabited it would ultimately fall to the Americans. Therefore, they speculated that Americans who became Mexican citizens would be loyal to Mexico and protect Texas. For several years all went well, but the instability of Mexico's national and provincial governments, cultural differences, and the United States' efforts to gain advantageous boundary changes or buy Texas led to dissension and finally the commencement of hostilities. At Gonzales, the first battle site, a volunteer army was created for the purpose of capturing San Antonio. Despite this action, a majority of the Texans and many important Mexicans hoped that differences between Mexico and Texas could be resolved. At a Consultation composed of representatives from most of the Anglo communities in Texas, their point of view became official policy when the delegates voted that Texas should remain a part of Mexico on the basis that federal policies outlined in Mexico's constitution of 1824 be reestablished. Consultation members created a provisional government to implement the reunification goal and conduct Texas's affairs. However, the government was organized late, contained an inexperienced and shifting membership, and acted slowly on critical issues. Furthermore, a bitter argument developed between Governor Henry Smith and the Council. Although personality conflicts played some part in the dispute, it grew bitter because Smith, the member of a small, powerful, militant faction, favored independence and the Council did not. The rift caused the government to degenerate into an ineffective unit. [...]History, Department o