Question
“The government lacks the resources to give each soldier enough to sustain [support] him, and this fact has not caused desertion to decrease. On this date 311 men are missing from the . . . division. . . . I have ordered the paymaster . . . to purchase and bring here the 150 loads of flour for the relief . . . of the [soldiers]. . . . I have absolutely nothing on hand . . . and the entire population is in the same unfortunate condition.” —Antonio Martinez, Spanish Governor of Texas, Letter to General Joaquin Arredondo, June 19, 1820 How can historians use and manage information about the lack of food and other resources mentioned in Governor Martinez’s letter to determine how the Mexican settlement of Texas contrasted from the earlier Spanish settlement of this region? (1 point) Responses Mexico offered soldiers from the United States Army cheap land to defend the Texas frontier. Mexico offered soldiers from the United States Army cheap land to defend the Texas frontier. Mexico abandoned the Spanish plan of building presidios to defend local settlements. Mexico abandoned the Spanish plan of building presidios to defend local settlements. Mexico placed former Spanish missions in Texas under civilian control. Mexico placed former Spanish missions in Texas under civilian control. Mexico required Tejano settlers to defend themselves against a possible French invasion.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Historians can analyze Governor Martinez’s letter regarding the lack of food and resources to understand the differences between the Mexican and earlier Spanish settlement efforts in Texas. One key point to consider is that during the Spanish settlement period, efforts were made to establish presidios (military forts) and missions that supported both military and civilian populations, thereby maintaining a balance of resources and protection.
In contrast, the excerpt indicates that under Mexican governance, there was a significant decline in resource availability and support for military personnel, leading to issues such as desertion and a lack of food. This suggests that Mexico may have abandoned or altered the earlier Spanish approaches, such as the establishment of presidios, resulting in a weaker support system for settlers and soldiers.
Therefore, the most relevant response to this context is:
**Mexico abandoned the Spanish plan of building presidios to defend local settlements.**
This highlights the transition in governance and military support, which resulted in a different approach to settlement and defense in Texas.
In contrast, the excerpt indicates that under Mexican governance, there was a significant decline in resource availability and support for military personnel, leading to issues such as desertion and a lack of food. This suggests that Mexico may have abandoned or altered the earlier Spanish approaches, such as the establishment of presidios, resulting in a weaker support system for settlers and soldiers.
Therefore, the most relevant response to this context is:
**Mexico abandoned the Spanish plan of building presidios to defend local settlements.**
This highlights the transition in governance and military support, which resulted in a different approach to settlement and defense in Texas.