1. Texas Revolution and the Mexican War

3. Beforehand Mexico broke away from Spain
War of Independence
Similar to American Revolution in many ways
Texas territory was undeveloped- not being utilized
1823- Mexican authorities issue the General Colonization Law- encouraging American colonists to settle Texas
Stephen Austin- accepted a grant and settled a large area
By ,000 Americans lived in Mexico- in some areas outnumbering Mexicans 10 to 1

4. Concerns Mexico begins limiting immigration
Worried about slavery issue- Americans bringing their slaves into Texas territory
Failure- to follow Mexican laws- religion
American influence might lead to loss of territory
General Antonio Santa Anna becomes President, and then dictator of Mexico in 1834, throwing out the Mexican Constitution

5. The Battle of the Alamo Feb-March of 1836
Texans rebel against new government limitations- Santa Anna leads an army north to stop rebellion
The Alamo- a fort outside San Antonio- well armed with cannons and artillery, but few men
1,800 Mexican troops vs 186 Texans
Including Davy Crockett- frontiersman from Tennessee
After 13 Days, Texans completely overrun and killed
Has become a compelling American symbol of fighting against all odds

6. Independence
April After the Alamo, with nearly 800 men, Sam Houston defeats and captures Santa Anna, forcing him to sign a treaty that gives Texas its independence
May Texans call a convention and, unhappy with Mexican government’s decisions, declare Texas an independent nation- creating the Republic of Texas
October Sam Houston elected as first President of the Republic of Texas

7. Drama in the Presidency
Martin Van Buren elected in focused mainly on handling financial situation created by Jackson destroying the 2nd National Bank
Blocked Texas admission to the Union, afraid of expanding slavery
William Henry Harrison elected in 1841”Tippecanoe and Tyler Too!”- died 32 days later from pneumonia, first president to die in office
VP John Tyler becomes President

8. Statehood
At the end of Tyler’s administration, after the election of James K. Polk, Texas is admitted to the Union as a state in 1845
Sets up war with Mexico as an inevitability for the Polk administration
Mexico cuts diplomatic relations
Polk sends ships into the Gulf and sends troops to the coast at Corpus Christi

9. Hostilities
Some diplomatic talks over purchasing Texas, New Mexico and California
Mexico was outraged at annexing Texas, unwilling to talk about other territory
Border clash between American forces (lead by Zachary Taylor) and Mexican forces at the Rio Grande- American loss
Saw this as Mexico invading the US since it crossed the river- declared war

10. War
Many American victories- New Mexico and California both declared American territory
Mexico still unwilling to negotiate
Americans march on the capital city, and raise the American flag over Mexico City in “the halls of Montezuma”
However, Mexico refused to surrender

11. Peace Increasing internal division within America on the War
February Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo signed
Mexico gave up California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and parts of Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, and Wyoming to the United States for $15 million and the assumption of $3.25 million in debts owed to Americans by Mexico.