By Morgan J. Burris

Lexington Middle School

US History Note Page 17B

“Independence for Texas

Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821.

The Northern section was very isolated from the capital and harassed by natives.

Encouraged American settlement in this empty land if the Americans came Mexican citizens, followed Mexican law , and converted to Roman Catholicism

I. Opening Texas to Americans

Some people came to area on their own Empresarios – Spanish ‘agents’ or ‘contractors’

required people National Colonization Act – Large grants of

land if settled Steven Austin – most successful, founded

Washington-on-the-Brazos

A. Empresarios & Settlers

1. Some settlers adopted, most did not… Most Mexicans distrusted ‘American’ settlers.

2. Benjamin Edwards declares “Fredonia” – independent American nation, Dispersed by S. Austin

3. Result – Mexico closed border, stopped importing slaves, taxed imports.

4. New laws upset American settlers worse.

B. Americanizing Texas

Settlers hold two conventions, Steven Austin to negotiate with

Mexican Gov’t. Austin recommends peacefully organized a

possible new state gov’t Mexican President – Antonio Lopéz de Santa Anna

has Austin arrested for treason. April 1834 – Santa Anna overthrows gov’t,

becomes dictator

II. Texas Goes to War

1. Mexican army plagued by political instability, lack of training & support.2. Rebels had success against much larger Mexican Army.3. Texans declared independence on March 2, 1836

A. Early Battles

Spanish Catholic Mission in San Antonio Texas Texans had little training and no clear

leader.

1. Lt. Col. William b. Travis trapped in Alamo w/ 180 rebels

2. Santa Anna – 6,000 Mexican Troops surrounded it

B. The Alamo

The Army of Santa Anna by Jim Carson

Rebels plan was to stall Santa Anna till Sam Houston – former governor of

Tennessee, could raise more men for army… Only 32 guys came to help, little ammo or guns,

rebels held out for 13 days. Over run on March 6, 1836 killing over 600 Mexicans, all were killed eventually.

Two weeks later, Texan rebels overrun at Goliad,

Santa Anna ordered them all killed.

C. Goliad

Sam Houston needed more time and men. At river camp along San Jacinto, Santa Anna

allowed his men to rest / sleep. Texans took advantage / ambushed them. Texans screamed “Remember the Alamo!”

took minimal causalities.- Killed hundreds of Mexicans and captured hundreds in 20 mins.

- Santa Anna captured also, forced to sign treaty.

D. The Battle of San Jacinto

Sept. 1836 – new republic elected Sam Houston first president.

- Voted in favor of annexation with United States.

- Northern states refused, because of slavery.

- Jackson did recognize it as a independent nation.

E. The Republic of TEXAS

Sam Houston of Texas

US History Note Page 17B

“Independence for Texas

The End