New Texas

This desire was caused by resentment towards and perceived oppression by the federal government, along with a conviction that the economic and political conditions of the South would be slow to improve during the era of Reconstruction.

[4][5] For some, they chose to flee to another country in hopes of preserving their former way of life, including slavery, but as immigration was an expensive action, not all were able to participate.

[5] One popular destination for these displaced citizens was Brazil due to the fact slavery was still legal, resulting in as many as 20,000 people emigrating from the South.

[3] The Emperor of Brazil at the time, Dom Pedro II, actively encouraged Confederate immigration; there were efforts to provide financial assistance and land to the incoming Southerners.

[2][4] McMullen decided to start his settlement on a 50 square-leagues plot of land South of São Paulo, leading to the official foundation of New Texas.