 By 1833 newcomers arriving in Texas were very independent minded.  Many were impatient with Mexico’s inability to defend the Texas frontier.  Some, like David Burnett, wanted Texas to separate from the Mexican state of Coahuila y Texas.  These Texans were used to taking matters into their own hands, including organizing their own militia units.

 Tejanos also declared their rights.  At conventions in 1832 and 1833, young Tejano leaders like Juan Seguin and Ambrosio Rodriguez compiled complaints against the Mexican government.  They viewed the Law of April 6, 1830, which prevented immigration from US., as a threat to prosperity and joined the Anglos in demanding reforms.

 Battle at Gonzales traditionally considered first battle of revolution.  However, resistance had begun a month earlier when a Texas steamboat and merchant ship had attacked a Mexican coast guard vessel that had been patrolling for smugglers.  om/comeandtakeitcannon.html om/comeandtakeitcannon.html

Location: Gonzales Date: Oct. 2, 1835 Mexican Leader: Colonel Ugartechea (100 men) Texan Leader: John H. Moore (160 men) Outcome: Texans won (1 Mexican died) Cause of Battle

General Cos considered the actions of the Texans as the outbreak of war. 1 st battle of the Texas Revolution Challenged Mexican authority Increased resolve and confidence of Texas rebels.

 On October 10 volunteer forces from coastal towns capture the presidio and town at Goliad.  Largely unguarded because General Cos had taken most of the soldiers to San Antonio.

Location: Goliad (presidio & town) Date: October 10, 1835 Mexican Leader: 53 Mexican soldiers left by General Cos Texan Leaders: George Collinsworth & Ben Milam (300 men Tejanos) Outcome: Texans won Presidio La Bahia

Texans were encouraged Captured ammunition and supplies

 No uniformity  Some had shotguns (effective for short range)  Others were precise like Kentucky long rifles (long range)  Cavalry were novices who carried cane poles topped with sharpened steel files  Rode slow mules or half-broken mustangs (outmatched by experienced Mexican calvary)  Most wore buckskin  Footwear varied – moccasins, shoes, boots  Coonskin caps, sombreros, tall silk beegum hats  No formal military training

 Texans organized themselves into a formal army.  Elected Stephen F. Austin as general.  Set up camp near San Antonio  Ill trained and ill equipped  Grew to 600 soldiers  No official uniform  Most were infantry, or foot soldiers ( a disadvantage when fighting Mexican cavalry, or soldiers who fought on horseback)  ~100 Tejanos, led by Juan Seguin, joined the army

 Born in Kentucky  Powerful man of 6 foot, 180 pounds  Easy going but had a vicious anger  Tales of trapping bears, riding alligators, catching and riding wild horses  Legendary fights  Superhuman strength reported in newspapers and his prowess with his lethal blade

 Austin sends Jim Bowie to find a better location near San Antonio River from which to keep watch on Cos.  Cos sends 400 soldiers to ambush them.  Bowie’s party had camped in a good defensive position behind a riverbank.  Dawn of Oct 28 Mexicans attack  Texans’ rifles were more accurate  Captured Mexican cannon  Led Mexicans to retreat.  14 Mexicans killed, 39 wounded  Texans lost 1

Location: San Antonio Date: October 28, 1835 Mexican Leader: 400 soldiers sent by General Cos Texan Leaders: James “Jim” Bowie (90 men) (sent by SFA) Outcome: Texans won

Boosted confidence of the Texan army A.Texans had a good defensive position behind a riverbank. B.Texans rifles were more accurate.

General Austin was engaged in a siege, a military blockade of San Antonio de Bexar to compel its Mexican troops to surrender. General Cos not concerned Nov 1 Austin demand letter to Cos to surrender who sends it back unopened SFA relieved of command and appointed and accepts position as a commissioner to the United States. Edward Burleson takes command of volunteer Texas army (chosen by men)

 November 26 Erastus “Deaf” Smith rides into camp to report ~ 100 Mexican soldiers were headed to San Antonio  Rumored to be carrying silver that would be used to pay Mexican soldiers.  Burleson sends troops led by Bowie to ambush them and seize the silver.  Defeat Mexicans and take cargo.  Found grass for feeding starving horses of Mexican army.

Location: Outside of San Antonio Date: November 26, 1835 Mexican Leader: Mexican mule train (with over 100 soldiers) headed to San Antonio Texan Leaders: Reported by Erastus “Deaf” Smith (Scout for TX army) Burleson sends troops led by Jim Bowie Outcome: Texans won

Texans realized that the siege was working because the Mexican troops needed food for their animals.

 Over the next month the Texas army begins to dwindle in numbers  Reports of Mexican soldiers deserting  Ben Milan says enemy is weakening so now is the time for an attack  Dec 4 Burleson orders troops to pull back to Gonzales but a captured Mexican officer has been brought to camp.  Reports that Cos’s troops were weak and disorganized.  Dec 5 Ben Milam and Francis Johnson lead groups on an attack of Alamo.  Dec 9 Mexican forces have been forced out  White flag waved.  Two sides agree to a cease-fire  Terms – Mexicans were given 6 days to recover and then leave  Dec 10 Cos surrenders and agrees to lead troops out of Texas.

 Disruption of daily lives of many Texans and Tejanos.  Both Mexican and Texas armies took food, livestock, and other supplies from townspeople.  During the siege and capture of San Antonio, Texas troops broke down the doors of homes, tore holes in walls and ceilings, and used the residents’ furniture for cover.  Many homes were left in ruins.

Location: San Antonio Date: Dec. 5, 1835 (lasted 4 days) Mexican Leader: General Cos (1,000 men/650 in San Antonio) Texan Leaders: Edward Burleson  Ben Milam & Francis Johnson lead attack (300 men) Outcome: Texans won with 2 dead & 26 wounded Mexicans had 150 killed or wounded

Texans capture Alamo Many Texans believed the conflict was over and Texas could separate from Coahuila. Hendrick Arnold & Greenbury Logan are noted for bravery in battle. Would Santa Anna accept such a defeat?

Location: San Antonio Date: Feb. 24, 1836: Siege began March 6: Final attack Mexican Leader: Santa Anna Texan Leaders: William B. Travis & Jim Bowie (189 to 250 men) Outcome: Mexicans won

Delayed Santa Anna for 2 weeks Alamo became symbol for courage & independence Battle cry: “Remember the Alamo” San Fernando Church

Location: San Patricio Date: February 27, 1836 Mexican Leader: General Urrea (1,000 men) Texan Leader: Frank Johnson (50 men) Outcome: Mexicans won Significance: Mexican killed or captured almost all of the Texans—only 5 men escaped.

Location: Agua Dulce Creek Date: March 2, 1836 Mexican Leader: General Urrea’s troops Texan Leader: Dr. James Grant (30 men) Outcome: Mexicans won Significance: Only 6 Texans escaped

Location: Refugio Date: March 14, 1836 Mexican Leader: General Urrea Texan Leaders: (sent by Col. Fannin)  Captain Amon B. King (30 men) & Colonel William Ward (100 men) Outcome: Mexicans won

Texans were defeated and most were killed or captured.

Location: Coleto Creek Date: March 19-20, 1836 Mexican Leader: General Urrea Texan Leader: Colonel Fannin Outcome: Mexicans won “Angel of Goliad”

Texans surrendered but were executed on March 27, 1836.

Location: San Jacinto River Date: April 21, 1836 Mexican Leader : Santa Anna Texan Leader: Sam Houston Outcome: Texans won

Mexicans surrendered Texans won independence