Level 1: Why Texas? Spend a few minutes brainstorming what you know about why Anglo-Americans came to settle in Texas. Next, explain why they settled in Texas. Use specific evidence about at least one significant individual who came to settle in Texas. Choose one of these options to deliver your explanation: Option 1: Write a paragraph

Answer 1

Anglo-Americans were drawn to settle in Texas for several reasons, including the promise of land, economic opportunity, and the allure of a frontier lifestyle. In the early 19th century, Texas offered vast tracts of land that were often available at low cost, making it attractive for many seeking to escape economic hardships or land shortages in their home states. One significant individual in this migration was Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas." In 1821, Austin received a land grant from the Mexican government to bring settlers to Texas, and he established one of the first successful American colonies there. He promoted agriculture, particularly cotton farming, which further attracted settlers looking for fertile land and new opportunities. Austin's efforts to manage relations between the American settlers and the Mexican authorities were pivotal in the early days of Texas settlement, highlighting how individual initiatives helped shape the patterns of expansion and settlement in the region.