Texas

After Independence from Spain Mexico needed settlers to move into Texas offered land at inexpensive prices hired empresarios, men who would start settlements

I. Early Settlement A. Stephen Austin gained permission from Mexico to settle in Texas brought 300 families - 1821 families came to plant cotton with slaves by 1830: over 20,000 American settlers in TX and over 2,000 slaves Mexico has been independent from Spain for over 10 years They have a large area of land that is perfect for farming, but is not settled (TX) Cotton grew extremely well in TX. Before explorers had found the New World, the land was inhabited by at least 30,000 Native Americans. But European germs killed most of that population and the area was empty. Spain owned TX before it’s war with Mexico and had hoped some of its citizens would settle in the area. But there asn’t any gold in TX and no political or religious freedom. Everyone was expected to be Catholic, so no one had the need to go to the area to practice the religion of their choice. Mexico wants to increase their power in the world, so they make a deal with Austin to let 300 people in.

B. Americans in TX To settle in Mexico and avoid taxes, Americans promised to: become citizens of Mexico learn Spanish become Catholic have no slaves (Mexico had outlawed slavery in 1829) Problems with Americans: they did not keep their promises wanted American rights (schools, roads, post office) These people agree to eventually become Mexican citizens, convert to Catholicism, and to promise to not bring slaves because slavery is against the law in Mexico. Stephen really wants to agree to this and the first 300 follow the rules. The next wave of Americans come to TX and won’t become citizens, don’t convert to Catholicism, and brought slaves. Americans now outnumber the Mexican citizens in Texas Americans were used to making choices on their own-following whatever religion they believed in, attending public schools and receiving an education. They wanted to build towns and run those towns themselves. Come and take it – flag during the revolution (of Americans) Santa Anna has ideas of being the next Napoleon and ruling over a large area of land. When Santa Anna realized that there were more English-speaking Americans in Texas than Spanish speakers, he made it illegal for people to come from the United States to the Mexican territory. The Americans began demanding the same rights that Mexicans had in the Mexican Constitution. Rebels began attacking different areas of the Texas territory Austin was imprisoned for 2 years

New Mexican President Santa Anna passed laws against immigration enforced laws against slavery began taxing settlers when settlers protested, accused them of treason Stephen Austin went to Mexico to ask Santa Anna for separate state status for TX - 1833 Santa Anna has ideas of being the next Napoleon and ruling over a large area of land. When Santa Anna realized that there were more English-speaking Americans in Texas than Spanish speakers, he made it illegal for people to come from the United States to the Mexican territory. The Americans began demanding the same rights that Mexicans had in the Mexican Constitution. Rebels began attacking different areas of the Texas territory He was imprisoned until 1835 American settlers in TX rebelled against Mexican rule

C. The Alamo Santa Anna led Mexican army to restore control in TX Settlers took shelter in Alamo Mission (included Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett) Mexico: 1,800 troops Texas: 183 Texans were surrounded, held out for 12 days Most were killed A few women and children were spared to tell the story The Alamo is a mission and not a military fortress, Santa Anna marched toward Texas with an army of more than 3,000 men. The Americans gathered in the chapel of an old mission named the Alamo and were ready to fight. Bowie-made the Bowie knife Davy Crockett was there (famous frontiersman who had killed 105 bears in one season) and a former Congressmen who lost his seat when he defended the Native Americans after the Indian Removal Act was passed. Americans vow to fight it out until the last man is standing. There are 230 Americans The Americans held out for 12 days against the Mexicans until they ran out of ammunition. Finally, the Mexicans broke through the walls of the Alamo and killed almost all of the people. Santa Ana attacks and kills ever single person, except for 3 women and 3 children. They are left alive to tell the story and make it clear to Americans that they should not mess with Mexico General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana “If you execute your enemies, it saves you the trouble of having to forgive them” But the U.S. is a country that has defeated the world power not once, but twice. The Alamo makes us remember our strength and encourages us to fight harder. American fighters would scream “Remember the Alamo!” to motivate them during the rest of the war. Davy Crockett was there (famous frontiersman who had killed 105 bears in one season) and a former Congressmen who lost his seat when he efended the Native Americans after the Indian Removal Act was passed.

D. Battle of San Jacinto Sam Houston took command of Texan army Troops rallied to attack - “Remember the Alamo!” 20 minutes later they had captured Santa Anna Santa Anna agreed to leave TX and was released Sam Houston leads the army and launches a surprise attack on Santa Ana He attacks the Mexican army in the middle of the day because it’s their Siesta time. Battle took roughly 15 minutes. Santa Ana isn’t taking his siesta alone (the song “Yellow Rose of TX” is about he and his mistress) and he is surprised when the Americans attack. Mexico fights the battle, but eventually runs out of ammunition Santa Ana exchanges uniforms with an officer beneath him so that he won’t be wearing the commander’s uniform and can sneak out to attack the Americans. Unfortunately for him, the men still continue to salute Santa Ana and the Americans quickly realize he’s in charge. Santa Ana is captured and agrees to release TX

E. Texas Declared Independence - 1836 Wanted to join the U.S. Presidents Jackson, Van Buren, and Tyler wouldn’t annex (add) TX because it would: cause an imbalance in slave v. free states anger Mexico Houston applies for statehood, but they are not admitted because the number of slave states will outnumber the number of free states. By this time, slavery was becoming a very hot issue and divided the nation. People called abolitionists were trying to end slavery and slave owners were trying to convince everyone that slavery was a good thing. Sam Houston was against the idea of making Texas a slave state Texas becomes a Republic, in other words it’s a nation that rules by itself. Finally Oregon applies for statehood and when that happens Texas is allowed as a slave state because the number of slave v free is equal. 1836-1845: Republic of Texas (a separate country) “Lone Star Republic”; President: Sam Houston