Question

which of the following is most likely a reason why anglo - american settlers began to be willing to support an independence movement against the mexican government?
a the government of mexico had become a dictatorship, limiting representation and freedoms of citizens.
b the mexican government promoted religious freedom over the catholic faith of the anglo settlers.
c the mexican government promoted the use of slavery in agriculture which made anglo farming less productive.
d the government of mexico encouraged trade with the united states, limiting the income of anglo farmers.

Explanation:

• Option A: After Mexico's independence from Spain, there were political instabilities. Santa Anna established a more dictatorial rule. Anglo - American settlers, who were used to a certain degree of self - governance (influenced by the US model), felt that their rights to representation and freedoms were limited under this dictatorial regime.
• Option B: The Mexican government was predominantly Catholic. Anglo - American settlers were often Protestants. The Mexican government did not promote religious freedom over Catholicism in a way that would make Anglo - settlers support independence. In fact, the Mexican government sometimes tried to enforce Catholicism on the settlers.
• Option C: The Mexican government was moving towards abolishing slavery (while Anglo - American settlers in Texas, for example, relied on slave labor). So, the Mexican government did not promote slavery.
• Option D: Encouraging trade with the US would likely have increased the income of Anglo - American farmers (who could sell more goods), not limited it.

Answer:

A. The government of Mexico had become a dictatorship, limiting representation and freedoms of citizens.