The Tensions Mount… Events That Lead to The Independence of Texas

Law of April 6, 1830 Strained the relationship between the Texas Colonists and the Mexican Government. Strained the relationship between the Texas Colonists and the Mexican Government. Mexico sent more troops to collect the taxes. (Similar to the American Revolution?) Mexico sent more troops to collect the taxes. (Similar to the American Revolution?) At this time, Santa Anna revolted against President Bustamante and gained control of Mexico. At this time, Santa Anna revolted against President Bustamante and gained control of Mexico.

Santa Anna and Texas Santa Anna sent an emissary to Stephen F. Austin to assure him that he supported state rights. Santa Anna sent an emissary to Stephen F. Austin to assure him that he supported state rights. That was not true, though. That was not true, though. Santa Anna wanted all power centralized in himself, and Texans would soon discover this. Santa Anna wanted all power centralized in himself, and Texans would soon discover this.

Anahuac and Turtle Bayou William B. Travis was arrested when he disagreed with the Mexican government over land titles in Texas. William B. Travis was arrested when he disagreed with the Mexican government over land titles in Texas. Protesters came to Anahuac, where he was being held, to demand his release, Protesters came to Anahuac, where he was being held, to demand his release, They were promised that he would be, but he was not. They were promised that he would be, but he was not. The settlers camped at Turtle Bayou. The settlers camped at Turtle Bayou.

Turtle Bayou, cont. Colonist John Austin went to get a cannon in case of a battle. Colonist John Austin went to get a cannon in case of a battle. The settlers decided to draft a resolution called the Turtle Bayou Resolution. It pledged support to Mexico and Santa Anna. The settlers decided to draft a resolution called the Turtle Bayou Resolution. It pledged support to Mexico and Santa Anna. Travis was released. Travis was released.

Battle of Velasco Austin, who did not know about the resolution, returned with his cannon. Austin, who did not know about the resolution, returned with his cannon. On the return, he was stopped and detained at Velasco. On the return, he was stopped and detained at Velasco. A struggle began, and for the first time, Mexicans and colonists shot at one another. A struggle began, and for the first time, Mexicans and colonists shot at one another. The colonists prevailed, and the Mexicans were forced to surrender. The colonists prevailed, and the Mexicans were forced to surrender. When they reached Anahuac, they learned that the conflict had already been resolved. (Ruh-roh!) When they reached Anahuac, they learned that the conflict had already been resolved. (Ruh-roh!)

Convention of 1832 Granted Texas statehood. Granted Texas statehood. Extended tax exemption. Extended tax exemption. Modified the Law of April 6, 1830 to allow for more immigration. Modified the Law of April 6, 1830 to allow for more immigration. Appointed a land commissioner to issue land titles. Appointed a land commissioner to issue land titles. Donated government lands for schools. Donated government lands for schools. Established a plan to create militias. Established a plan to create militias. Created committees to oversee the welfare and safety of Texas. Created committees to oversee the welfare and safety of Texas.

Convention of 1833 Same as 1832 with some additions. Same as 1832 with some additions. Provided for judicial reform. Provided for judicial reform. Establish mail service. Establish mail service. Provided for defense against native American raids. Provided for defense against native American raids. Stop African slave trade in Texas. Stop African slave trade in Texas. Resolved to create a state constitution. Resolved to create a state constitution.

Stephen F. Austin and Santa Anna Austin traveled to Mexico and met with Santa Anna. Austin traveled to Mexico and met with Santa Anna. Santa Anna accepted most of the proposals on the Conventions. Santa Anna accepted most of the proposals on the Conventions. He did reject statehood for Texas. He did reject statehood for Texas. Austin sent a letter back to Texas suggesting they form a state of their own anyway. Austin sent a letter back to Texas suggesting they form a state of their own anyway.

Austin Is Arrested On his way home, Austin was arrested for sending the letter. On his way home, Austin was arrested for sending the letter. It was considered treason against Mexico. It was considered treason against Mexico. He spent a year in prison. He spent a year in prison. His imprisonment caused much tension and unrest between Mexico and the Texas colonists. (Hear those cannons on the distance?) His imprisonment caused much tension and unrest between Mexico and the Texas colonists. (Hear those cannons on the distance?)