Why did Spain want people to settle in Texas? What effect did Mexico's independence have on Stephen Austin's land grant?

Historically, the national government of Mexico encouraged settlers in present-day Texas to settle in that region because of the anticipated prosperity and economic development the new population would bring. The movement of Americans, called Anglo-American settlers, into Texas began with the encouragement of the Spanish government. Spain responded to a request from an impoverished Missouri resident, Moses Austin, in 1820 to purchase a large parcel of land in Texas to persuade Americans to relocate.