Title: Western Colorado History Mexican American War
Headings: Republic of Texas, and the Mexican American War, 1836-1845

Content: Mexico's War of Independence began in 1810 and was finally won in 1821. Unfortunately, not much changed after Mexico won its independence from Spain. The richest people, the Creole class of people, in Mexico liked the power and money they had gained in the old system and were scared of drastic change. The newly formed Mexican government was then ruled by the creoles, and the poorer classes still had few rights. Mexico's independence did lead to another major change. Spain had more power in protecting its lands in southwestern North America. Like many newly formed governments, the Mexican government was disorganized and the creole class of people was fighting over the new balance of power. The newly formed Mexican government did not have a large enough national army to defend the northern parts of their territory, now a days Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Western Colorado. Soon many settlers from the United States of America moved west into these areas. In fact, enough people settled in Texas that for a short while they formed their own country, the Republic of Texas.