Resistance to Mexican Rule

Working Within the System
Initially, Tejano leaders sought autonomy through constitutional means rather than separation. They campaigned for increased local representation and federal protection to address community needs. However, persistent refusal from central authorities slowly eroded the possibility of continued political cooperation.

Centralization Under Santa Anna
Tensions escalated following the rise of General Santa Anna and his Centralist regime. The implementation of the Siete Leyes formally dismantled state autonomy, shifting power to the national government. This policy neutralized local governance, which many Tejanos viewed as the primary mechanism for resolving regional issues.

The Threat of Militarized Rule
Distrust deepened as Santa Anna utilized military force to enforce political centralization throughout the nation. Tejanos witnessed a shift toward authoritarianism that favored armed suppression over civil discourse. For a frontier region reliant on local stability, this reliance on violence rendered continued Mexican administration increasingly untenable.

A Legacy of Agency
Tejano involvement in the revolution reflects a principled defense of rights rather than simple alignment with Anglo-American interests. Figures like Juan Seguín acted upon legitimate grievances against the centralist state to protect their established social order. Their participation underscores a clear objective: the preservation of local liberty against centralized encroachment.