Final answer:
General Antonio López de Santa Anna became the dictator of Mexico in the 1830s after leading a coup and was later elected president in 1833, centralizing power which led to the Texas Revolution and formation of the Republic of Texas.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1830s, General Antonio López de Santa Anna became the dictator of Mexico. After his popularity rose as the 'hero of Tampico' for repelling a Spanish invasion, Santa Anna led a coup that positioned him as the president in 1833. Subsequently, he abolished the Mexican Constitution of 1824, replacing it with the conservative Siete Leyes (Seven Laws), which centralized government power and dissolved Congress, actions that fueled discontent and uprisings, including the Texas Revolution. The Texans, adhering to the Constitution of 1824, organized the 'Federal Army of Texas' to oppose the centralist policies of Santa Anna, ultimately declaring independence and forming the Republic of Texas, also known as the Lone Star Republic, lasting from 1836-1846.