Four Key Differences Between American Settlers and Mexican Authorities in Texas

American immigrants in Texas clashed with Mexican law and custom on four fundamental issues:

1. Slavery: Settlers brought enslaved people, though Mexico had abolished slavery in 1829.
2. Religion: Most Anglo settlers were Protestant; Mexico was officially Catholic.
3. Language: English-speaking settlers vs. Spanish-speaking Mexican authorities.
4. Governance: Americans favored decentralized local control; Mexico's system was more centralized.

These tensions fueled the Texas Revolution and eventual independence.