Final answer:
The observations that General Mier y Terán made during his trip through Texas were indicative of concerns about the growing influence of Anglo-American settlers in Texas. So, the correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
General Mier y Terán's observations during his trip through Texas reflect concerns about the influence of Anglo-American settlers, who were quite distinct in their practices and beliefs from the local Tejanos, leading to increased tensions and eventual conflict.
This is evidenced by the historical context surrounding the immigration of American settlers to the Mexican province of Texas during the early 19th century.
These settlers were distinct from the Mexican Texans or Tejanos in several ways: many settlers were slave owners, and they remained religiously distinct from the Roman Catholic Tejanos. The American desire for independence and their disregard for Mexican laws on slavery added to the tensions.
Coupled with their political and economic dominance over local governments, and their culture of slavery which was frowned upon by Mexican law, these differences led to the eventual struggle for Texas independence.
As for the establishment of the Lone Star Republic, it represented a new phase in U.S. westward expansion, where violence was used against Mexico to secure American goals, such as the creation of an empire that incorporated slavery.
The eventual annexation of Texas and the ensuing Mexican-American War are thus seen as aggressive acts from the American perspective, subjugating Mexican territory for expansionist aims and prompting debates on slavery and foreign policy attitudes.