In 1826, an Anglo American colonist in the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas (Texas) declared his colony to be a free and independent nation called the Republic of Fredonia. He failed miserably, but his efforts caused the Mexcian government to grow suspicious of the new settlers from America. In an effort to halt any future problems, Mexico passed a law that greatly angered Anglo Americans and would eventually lead them on a path to revolution.