Final answer:
The primary motivations for immigration to Texas in the late 19th century were economic opportunities, cheap land, and favorable land laws for settlers, as well as the desire to expand slavery and American culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
A primary motivation for many individuals to immigrate to Texas in the late 19th century was the prospect of economic opportunity and land availability. The economic depression of 1837 left many seeking a new start, and Texas, as a new nation with generous land grants and the promise of wealth through agriculture, particularly cotton farming, attracted many settlers. This was compounded by special incentives such as cheap land at 10 cents an acre, when land in the United States was selling for $1.25 an acre, and the ability to purchase additional land based on family size and slaves brought to the territory.
Immigration to Texas was not solely driven by economic motivations, however. Cultural and societal factors, such as the desire to expand slavery, also played a significant role. The Mexican government's policies to encourage settlement through colonization laws, which allowed land to be paid for in installments without a minimum purchase, further spurred American immigration.