In Mexico Lorenzo de Zavala was a reformer striving to empower the middle class; in Texas, he sought economic stability and hoped to restore his political career. His early death defeated both plans.
Some Mexican historians praise Zavala's efforts to create a republic in Mexico and to improve the conditions of the lower classes, but most see him as a traitor because he signed the Texas Declaration of Independence.
Anglo historians have generally ignored Zavala except for brief references. A few contemporary Texans admired his political talents, but most suspected his motives....