Independence Won

Santa Anna and the Texan Army Santa Anna stayed in Texas after his victories. He wanted every town and settlement burned. Sam Houston was now leader of the army and wanted to retreat and train his soldiers. He also wanted Fannin to retreat and join up with Houston.

Santa Anna and the Texan Army Houston trained his soldiers and continued retreating to East Texas. His logic was the further away from Mexico, the longer the supply train and the better things would be for the Texans. They could also get more help from the U.S.A.

Santa Anna and the Texan Army His officers disagreed and wanted to fight. Their houses were being destroyed. Families panicked after hearing of the Alamo and Goliad and began running. This is known as the Runaway Scrape.

Santa Anna and the Texan Army Santa Anna chased Houston’s army and later Burnett and the government officials. Santa Anna fell short when he could not defeat a portion of the Texan Army who had stayed behind. Santa Anna then moved toward the Houston area chasing Burnett. Houston and the Texan army soon followed now ready to fight.

Victory at San Jacinto The two armies had moved to about three quarters of a mile from one another along the San Jacinto River. Generals warned Santa Anna of the poor location they had chosen, but he ignored it.

Victory at San Jacinto April 21, 1836 General Cos’ 540 troops marched in and joined the other 850 in the early morning. They were allowed to eat and rest. Santa Anna did not post enough guards and decided to take a nap.

Victory at San Jacinto April 21, 1836 Texans destroyed the bridge At 3:30 in the afternoon, the Texans began forming to attack. The Texans were on the enemy before they knew it. The Mexicans were caught napping and watering horses

Victory at San Jacinto April 21, 1836 “Remember the Alamo, Remember Goliad” was all the Mexicans heard. The organized fighting lasted only 18 minutes while the hunting down and killing of the Mexicans lasted until late into the night.

Victory at San Jacinto April 21, 1836 Fewer than 10 Texans were killed and Houston listed 630 Mexicans killed and 730 taken prisoners, Santa Anna being one of those.

San Jacinto Monument

Treaties of Velasco Public treaty: Santa Anna promised that Mexicans would leave Texas and never fight the Texans again. Secret treaty: In exchange for his release, Santa Anna would recognize Texas Independence. People did not all agree to let Santa Anna go. They wanted to hang him. In the end, he was returned to Mexico.

Treaties of Velasco Texas now became the Republic of Texas. As a Republic, Texans had the ability to control their own rights and freedoms. Religion, politics, and individual liberties could be decided by the people of Texas.