Texas Independence to Statehood

Texas Settlement Originally a Spanish colony Became Mexican territory when Mexico gained independence from Spain Very sparsely populated until Americans began migrating there

Stephen Austin & American Settlers Stephen Austin settled in 1822 Austin & other American settlers agreed to the conditions of the Mexican government for settlement –Become Roman Catholic –Obey Mexican laws (including laws against slavery)

Problems with Mexico By ,000 Americans in Texas Americans had brought in slaves Most Americans had not become Catholic American settlers outnumbered Mexicans in Texas 10:1 Mexico began to “crack down” on American settlers & their freedoms

Mexico’s Response 1833 General Santa Anna was elected president of Mexico Santa Anna abolished local rights in Mexico American settlers rebelled against Mexican rule

The Alamo 1835 Santa Anna marched an army into Mexico to control the uprising February 1836 Santa Anna surrounded the Alamo which was being defended by 188 Texans (Santa Anna had 2,000 soldiers) After a 2 week siege, Santa Anna ordered his soldiers to kill all defenders of the Alamo All 188 defenders were killed (including a prominent American - David Crockett)

“Remember the Alamo!” Sam Houston, leader of the Texas Army, put together a force to fight Santa Anna Mexico was defeated by Houston’s forces at the Battle of San Jacinto Creek Santa Anna was captured & signed a treaty granting independence to Texas

Texas Statehood Texas became the Lone Star Republic Texas voted to seek admission to the US Texas statehood was controversial because Texas would be a new slave state The Senate did not approve statehood in 1843 because of the issue of slavery

New President - New Policy James K. Polk became president & he supported Texas statehood December Texas was granted statehood The boundary between Texas & Mexico was unclear Mexico threatened war!

War with Mexico Started over the boundary dispute April Mexican troops attacked US cavalry by the Rio Grande River - starting the war May 13, The US declared war on Mexico Mexico expected victory

Polk’s War Strategy Invade northern Mexico Attack Santa Fe, New Mexico Attack Los Angeles, California Conquer Mexico City (done by troops led by General Winfield Scott) The US succeeded in all 4 areas and Mexico signed a peace treaty with the US.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo US Gains –Full title to Texas –Rio Grande as the border with Mexico –California –New Mexico Territory (New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, parts of Colorado) –Gadsden Purchase

Outcome for Mexico Mexico received $15 million for California (gold was found in California right after the signing of the treaty) Mexico lost 1% of its population, but 50% of its territory