The Early Republic

The Treaties of Velasco Even though Texas had won the Battle of San Jacinto, Mexican leaders did not recognize the war as over. Texans decided to use the capture of Santa Anna to work out a deal. They would release him if he agreed to: Have all Mexican troops leave TX. Sign the Treaties of Velasco.

The Treaties of Velasco Treaty 1-Public The war between Mexico & TX was officially ended, and TX was declared independent. Santa Anna would not take arms against TX. All Mexican forces would withdraw beyond the Rio Grande. Prisoners would be exchanged. The Mexicans would return all captured property. Texas leaders would promptly return Santa Anna to Mexico. Where did the Mexican troops have to withdraw to?

The Treaties of Velasco Treaty 2-Private Santa Anna would immediately be released in exchange he would try to convince Mexican leaders to recognize TX as independent. Santa Anna would also push for Mexico to recognize the Rio Grande as border between Mexico & Texas. Many Texans wanted Santa Anna executed or imprisoned. What was exchanged for Santa Anna’s immediate release?

The Treaties of Velasco Santa Anna was put on the ship Invincible but before it could leave some volunteers led by Thomas J. Green blocked the port this caused Burnet to imprison Santa Anna which now went against what the treaties had stated. Mexico also would not recognize the public treaty since Santa Anna had signed it while he was a prisoner. Why wouldn’t Mexico recognize the treaty?

The Election of 1836 Tx had to get its government setup. Held election; Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston & Henry Smith ran. Sam Houston won, since he was very popular due the win of the Battle of San Jacinto. TX thought about annexing to the US, but still went on to form its own country. Annexation: the formal joining of one political region to another.

Houston’s First term

Houston’s Administration Elected on October 22, 1836 laid out his goals Stressed the need for peace with the American Indians. Need to stay alert and on guard against an attack by Mexico. Hoped to see TX annexed to the U.S. Houston faced many challenges during his first administration, began appointing a cabinet. Secretary of State: Stephen F. Austin Secretary of Treasury: Henry Smith Secretary of War: Thomas J. Rusk Secretary of the Navy: Samuel Rhoads Fisher

Houston’s Administration Second major task was to organize a court system. Congress set up: a supreme court, 4 district courts, 23 county courts and justice courts. Another order of business was the Republic of Texas’ boundaries. TX thought it was the Rio Grande but Mexico did not recognize it as so. Another order of business was deciding where the capital would be. Houston became the temporary capital, it had been founded by the Allen brothers and was located near Harrisburg on the Buffalo Bayou. In 1837 only had 12 residents but within 4 months had 1,500 residents.

Houston & Army Unrest Many volunteers who came from the U.S. after the fighting was over were eager to fight along with the army’s commander Felix Huston wanted to attack Mexico. Houston did not want that so he removed Huston from his command. Many upset over Huston being removed so Houston was forced to place all but 600 troops on leave. Houston relied mainly on militia companies and the Texas rangers for protection on the frontiers.

Economic Policies TX is broke after war. The nation had a debt of $1.25 million. The new govt. collected taxes and place taxes on all imports coming into Texas. The Panic of 1837 in the U.S. didn’t help either since Texas mainly traded with them. TX tried to print more money but with no gold or silver to back up its value it was worthless.

Land Policy Under Houston Although the Republic was in debt it was rich in land. After the Revolution the govt. gave nearly 37 million acres of land to its residents. An empresario system like the one that Mexico had in place was established, in hopes to encourage immigration to Texas.

Houston’s American Indian Policy Many conflicts with Amer. Indians as settlements spread towards them. Many settlers wanted the Amer. Indians removed, but Houston was sympathetic to them and wanted a peaceful solution. Houston tried to get a treaty that would give some land to the Amer. Indians but Congress would not approve it. Eventually Houston & Congress developed an Amer. Indian policy to reduce conflict. The policy established forts along frontier to encourage trade with the Amer. Indians. Houston was one of the few leaders who believed that Indians and settlers could live together in peace.