Road to Independence Created By Mrs.Phillips Krimmel Intermediate Mosaic by Bert Rees

Revolution Begins Photo by Mrs. Phillips from Bob Bullock Museum

A Mexican Army Arrives in Texas Texans became tense and concerned when General Cos arrived in Texas with Mexican soldiers. There were now 650 soldiers in San Antonio alone. Rumors spread that Cos was planning to arrest all Texan leaders.

Townspeople formed Committees of Correspondence, which were local groups sharing political and military info.

Gonzales—The Lexington of Texas This was the first battle of the TX Revolution against Mexico on Oct. 2, It started when the Mexican Colonel Ugartechea ordered the colonist to surrender their cannon. They refused, called for help, and buried the cannon in a peach orchard.

When help arrived led by John Moore they dug up the cannon, decorated it, and made a flag from a woman’s wedding dress that said “Come and Take It!” This battle lasted for only a few minutes and the Texans won.

Because this battle was under similar circumstances to the first battle of the American Revolution that took place in Lexington, Massachusetts, we call this battle the “Lexington of Texas”.

General Cos regarded the actions at Gonzales as the outbreak of war! Grrrr! This means WAR!!!!

One week after the Battle of Gonzales 120 Texans took the garrison (fort) at Goliad by surprise. The battle only lasted 30 minutes and the Mexican troops surrendered. Samuel McCullough Jr. charging the presidio at Goliad

“On To San Antonio!” The victories at Gonzales and Goliad convinced many Texans that the Mexican troops could be defeated easily. The only large Mexican force remaining was under General Cos in San Antonio. The cry was now “On to San Antonio!”

Stephen F. Austin took command of 300 Texans at Gonzales known as the Army of the People. As they marched to San Antonio more volunteers joined until they reached 400 men. They laid siege (to set up a military blockade around) to San Antonio hoping Cos would run out of supplies and surrender.

On Nov. 3, 1835 at San Felipe 58 delegates met representing 14 towns and districts. The War Party: favored a declaration of Independence from Mexico. The Peace Party : opposed Santa Anna, but objected to independence and claimed that they war was for the Constitution of The peace party won 33 to 15. The Consultation

There were 3 Decisions Made: 1)The Declaration of the People -declared themselves loyal to Mexico -pledge to support the Mexican Constitution of take arms only to defend themselves and to oppose Santa Anna -urged Mexican citizens to join in the struggle and offered land to volunteers.

2) Create a provisional government for Texas and Henry Smith as provisional Governor 1.htm

3) Planned a Regular Army for TX - Sam Houston was made Commander of the Regular troops - Stephen F. Austin was made Commander of the Volunteers - Stephen F. Austin, William H. Wharton and Branch T. Archer were named commissioners to represent Texas in the U.S. They were told to obtain troops, supplies and money for the war against Santa Anna.

9-2: The Capture of San Antonio

The Grass Fight A Volunteer Army Scout, Erastus “Deaf” Smith, reported seeing a Mexican cavalry and mule train heading toward San Antonio. Texans believed the mules were carrying bags of silver to pay Cos’s soldiers. Erastus “Deaf” Smith

The Texans fought the Mexican troops and captured some of the mules. They were disappointed to discover the mules were not carrying silver but only grass for Cos’s horses.

The Texas volunteers grew restless, discouraged and hungry. Ben Milam, an empresario who helped capture Goliad, encouraged fellow Texans to attack San Antonio in his famous plea: “Who Will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?”

On the 3 rd day of the battle, also called the Siege of Bexar, Milam was killed. The Mexicans took refuge in the abandoned mission known as the Alamo. General Cos surrendered and promised to never again fight against the colonists or the Constitution of General Cos

The Siege of Bexar divided the Tejanos of San Antonio. Most stayed neutral but some helped Cos. One famous Tejano, Juan Seguin, recruited Mexican volunteers. Tejanos and African Americans Join the Fight Juan Seguin

Hendrick Arnold and Greenbury Logan, free African Americans, also fought for Texas Independence.

In 1836, when Texas should have been making preparations to fight Santa Anna, little was being accomplished because the Provisional Governor Henry Smith was quarrelling with members of his council. The Provisional Government Breaks Down

9-3: The Convention of 1836

The Convention of 1836 met at Washington-on- the-Brazos and began on March 2, 1836, with 59 delegates in attendance. Photo By Mrs. Phillips

This document was adopted unanimously and similar to that of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. The author was George C. Childress. Adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence George C. Childress

The Declaration stated that Santa Anna had violated the liberties guaranteed under the Mexican Constitution of deprived of religious freedom 2. the right to a trial by a jury 3. the right to bear arms and the right to petition 4. Mexico had failed to provided a system of public education

The Declaration of independence was signed on March 2, 1836, this is celebrated as Texas Independence Day! Author George C. Childress

The Adoption of the Constitution Completed and approved on March 16, Provisions of the Constitution: 3 Branches of Government 1. Executive – chief governing officer 2. Legislative – lawmaking body 3. Judicial – courts

Bill of Rights: Freedom of the speech, of the press, religion, trial by jury, and other civil rights.

Slavery was made legal, and free slaves were not permitted to live in Texas. The only way they could live in Texas was to petition the Texas Congress.

Ad Interim Government President David G. Burnet Vice President Lorenzo De Zavala Commander of the Army Sam Houston

The convention adjourned on March 17th because of word of the Fall of the Alamo. The Government then fled to Harrisburg.

Declaration of Independence Sketch: Create an old looking document that is titled: Texas Declaration of Independence. In the middle copy the paragraph from pg. 215 in your textbook. Make sure that you write the date March 2, 1836 and the author’s name. Interactive Notebook Assignment: (See Table of Contents for page #)