Final answer:
Option (D), Mexican leaders did not attempt to maintain control of Texas by granting Texans full autonomy. Their strategies included diplomatic negotiations, military force, and economic incentives, but none succeeded, leading to Texas declaring independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mexican leaders did not try to maintain control of Texas by granting Texans full autonomy. Instead, various strategies were undertaken, which included diplomatic negotiations, using military force, and offering economic incentives. Economic measures included attempts to curtail American immigration and foster Mexican settlement, laws for acculturation, and the outlawing of slavery specifically to undermine the Texan slave owners.
Politically, there were tensions due to local governmental control by the American settlers, who were also culturally distinct from the Mexican population (Tejanos), not adhering to the Catholic faith mandated for settlers. Ultimately, these attempts failed, leading to further alienation and the push for Texan independence, culminating in the establishment of the Lone Star Republic where slavery was legal.