Texas Remember the Alamo

Early Texas Territory The Early 17 th Century Texas was almost empty – 30,000 Indians – A Few Thousand Spanish Mexicans Spanish Missions – Converting Indians to Christianity Spain hoped its people would settle in Texas, but no one did. – No Gold – No Political Freedom – No Religious Freedom

Americans in Texas Stephen Austin Moses Austin – Made agreement with Spanish that American’s could move there – Americans Promised to become Mexican Citizens and Catholics Stephen lead a group of 300 settlers from Missouri to Texas Stephen Austin Moses Austin

The Mexican Constitution

Mexican Rebellion Mexico gains Independence Mexican’s passed a Constitution – Not like the American Colonies – No experience with self- government Makes way for Antonio López de Santa Anna Antonio López de Santa Anna

Santa Anna Ignored the promised freedoms of the Constitution Called himself “the Napoleon of the West” Wanted to stop the immigration of Americans to Texas “Napoleon of the West”

United States and Mexico American’s in Mexico Did not want to become Mexican Citizens Did not want to become Catholic Wanted American Schools Wanted Freedom of Religion Brought Slaves – This was against Mexican Law Did not want to share the land with the Indians – Bragged of killing Indians Vaqueros Cattle Drive

English Speaking Americans in Texas 1830 – No More Santa Anna wants to put an end to English Immigration – People from the U.S. crossed into the Mexican territory illegally Think About It! How does this relate to the relationship between Mexico and America today? Too Late!

Attack on San Antonio Texas Rebels “We went through the old adobe and picket houses of the Mexicans, using battering rams made of logs ten to twelve feet long…How the women and children would yell when we knocked holes in the walls through which we passed.” Compare this to how the Mexicans treated women and children at the Alamo! San Antonio Mission

Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie Davy Crockett United States Congressmen Great Storyteller – “Old Betsy” had killed 105 bears in one season Fearless Disagreed with Andrew Jackson on Indian Removal Lost his seat in Congress due to his beliefs Jim Bowie Fearsome fighter Designed a wicked, razor-sharp knife

Remember the Alamo! Attack on the Alamo Crockett, Bowie, and about 200 men defended the Alamo They held out for 12 days against Santa Anna’s army of about 5000 They had no reinforcements They ran out of ammunition Finally the Mexicans broke through the walls of the Alamo and killed them all…Except…

Compare and Contrast Mexicans Vs. Americans How did Americans treat Mexican prisoners? How did Mexicans treat American Prisoners? How did Americans treat Mexican women and Children? How did Mexicans treat American women and Children? Susanna Dickinson

The Alamo

Remember the Alamo!

Angry Americans Fighting Back English-speaking settlers in Texas were furious Decided to fight for independence for Texas – “Remember the Alamo” Led by Sam Houston – Run Away – Adopted by Indians – Fought for Andrew Jackson – Elected to Congress – Governor of Tennessee Sam Houston

Fighting Santa Anna Sam Houston decided to fight Santa Anna at San Jacinto (now Houston, Texas) – Texans were outnumbered but smart – Waited to attack until Siesta Hour Only took 15 minutes to capture Santa Anna and route the Mexicans Houston Defeats Santa Anna

Independence for Texas An independent Nation Sam Houston made Santa Anna sign a treaty making Texas and independent country Houston was elected President – The “Lone Star Republic”

TEXAS – THE LONE STAR REPUBLIC

Texas and the United States Admittance to the Union Houston wanted Texas to become part of the United States Should Texas be a slave state? – It would throw off balance in Congress – Andrew Jackson declines – December 1845 James K. Polk makes Texas a state What will happen to Texas next?