The Texas Revolution
Spanish Texas The Spanish had been in the Americas since Columbus in Spain owned a large part of North America, including Texas.
Tejanos In 1821, only about 4,000 Tejanos lived in Texas. Tejanos are people of Spanish heritage who consider Texas their home. The Spanish government tried to attract Spanish setters to Texas, but very few came.
Moses Austin An American, Moses Austin was given permission by the Spanish government to start a colony in Texas. All the Americans had to do was follow Spanish laws. Moses died in 1821, so his son Stephen tried to start the colony.
In 1821, Mexico won independence from Spain
Mexican Independence Changes Texas The Mexican government told Stephen Austin his settlers would have to become Mexican citizens and members of the Roman Catholic Church, and learn Spanish. Between 1821 and 1827, Austin attracted 297 families to his new settlement.
The success of Austin’s colony attracted more land speculators and settlers to Texas from the United States. Some were looking for a new life, some were escaping from the law, and others were looking for a chance to grow rich. By 1830, the population had swelled to about 30,000,with Americans outnumbering the Tejanos six to one.
Rising Tensions in Texas In 1829, the Mexican government outlawed slavery. The settlers wanted to keep their slaves so they could grow cotton. The Americans also didn’t want to learn Spanish or follow Mexican laws. Very few settlers had converted to Catholicism.
In 1829, the Mexican government closed the state to further American immigration. Texans had to start paying taxes for the first time. Mexican president, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna sent more Mexican troops to Texas. Texans began talk of breaking away from Mexico. When Stephen Austin was jailed, the Texans did revolt. Santa Anna led 6,000 troops to Texas to put down the revolt.
The Alamo The first battle between the Texans and Mexicans took place at on old mission that was used as a fort. It was called the Alamo.
Famous People in the Alamo Davy Crocket Born in Tennessee Friends with Jackson-until falling out Moved to Texas Disney Video1 Disney Video 2
Santa Anna’s army arrives On February 23, Alamo defenders were shocked to see the beginning of the Mexican force arriving in San Antonio Texans barely make it into the Alamo before the Mexican cavalry arrives in the city. Mexican forces quietly occupy San Antonio and begin surrounding the Alamo.
Bowie and Travis Bowie and Travis fought to lead the troops. Bowie ended up ill which lead to Travis leading the battle. Bowie estimated that 1,000 troops would be needed to defend the Alamo. They believed that holding the Alamo at any cost was vital to the future of Texas The mission walls were incomplete, hampering the defense.
Victory or Death Travis wrote several messages to the people of Texas and to the United States asking for assistance Travis received little response to his pleas for aid because the Texas forces were poorly organized. On March 1, only 32 reinforcements arrived at the Alamo from Gonzales.
James Bonham Lifelong friend of William Travis Was a great horseman Sent on several missions to get help from Texans around the Alamo Reportedly went to Goliad were Fannin refused to move Rode through the Mexican lines in order to get back into the Alamo He died defending the fort on March 6, 1836
Red Flag of Death At his headquarters in San Fernando Church, Santa Anna flew the red “no quarters” flag, meaning that he would take no prisoners. Mexican buglers played throughout the night to keep the Alamo defenders unnerved. The song they played, “Deguello” was the song of death, and let the defenders know they would all die if they fought
Facing Certain Death On March 5, Travis explained to his troops that remaining at the Alamo meant certain death. According to legend, he drew a line on the ground with his sword and invited those who wished to stay to cross the line. Almost 200 men decided to stay and fight for their beliefs.
The Final Battle Begins The final assault began on the morning of March 6, 1836 at 5:30 A.M. Santa Anna had stopped the cannon fire the night before to allow the Texans to sleep, then interrupted their slumber with an early morning attack An estimated 1,800 Mexican troops took part, attacking at four different points.
The Bloody Battle The North wall fell first, where William Travis was killed early in the Fighting The men retreated to the long barracks where the bloodiest of the fighting took place. Bowie was killed in his cot too sick to take part in the battle
The Alamo Falls The Mexican army turned the Texan cannons on the Texans and forced them toward the chapel. The chapel was the last area to fall. By that time all but a few defenders were killed According to Mexican sources about 7 men survived the fighting, including Davy Crockett. They were taken prisoner.
Casualties All but a few of the 200 defenders of the Alamo are killed in battle. The prisoners are executed. Santa Anna reports 70 of his men killed, while reports claim as many as 400 men killed Susanna Dickinson, wife of an Alamo defender and her infant daughter survive as well as Travis’ slave, Joe and a few others are allowed to go free.
Battle at San Jacinto Santa Anna had over 300 more Texans executed at Golidad. Texan general, Sam Houston gathered more troops, 800 in all. It included Tejanos, American settlers, volunteers from the United States, and many free and enslaved African Americans. They met Santa Anna at San Jacinto. Their battle cry was, “Remember the Alamo!” It was over in 18 minutes. More than half the Mexican army was killed. Santa Anna was forced to sign a treaty giving Texas its freedom. With the Battle of San Jacinto,Texas was now an independent country.
General Santa Anna surrenders to General Houston
Lone Star Republic In 1836, Texas declared itself The Lone Star Republic. Sam Houston was elected president. Some Americans wanted Texas to be part of the U.S. Some people were afraid of Texas becoming a slave state, others of war with Mexico. Both would eventually happen.