Independence for Texas

1
Independence for Texas

• Chapter 9.2

2
Opening Texas to the Americans

• Part of Mexico, Tejanos, lived in South
• Invited Americans to colonize the area
• National Colonization Act, empresarios (agents)
  granted land, filled land with settlers
• Stephen F. Austin, founded Washington-on-the-Brazo
  s, 1,500 Americans immigrate
• Laws said immigrants had to become Mexican
  citizens Catholic
• Accepted at first, but few actually adopted
  customs, Mexicans distrusted settlers

3
Americanizing Texas

• Haden Edwards brother Benjamin led rebellion
  against Mexican authority
• Said American settlements were free, Fredonia,
  rebellion was crushed
• Mexico feared U.S. takeover shut borders 1830,
  also taxed imported goods,
• Angered Americans
• Tensions high, two conventions, 1st Austin chosen
  president and they asked Mexican gov to lift
  restrictions, 2nd they wanted to create a new
  Mexican state separate from Coahuila
• , Austin sent to negotiate in Mexico City,

4
Texas goes to War

• Negotiations stalled, Austin recommended
  organizing new independent state,
• Letter intercepted, Austin Jailed
• Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna set himself up as
  dictator Austin recommends war
• Mexican army was weak, Mexicans retreated at
  battle of Gonzales,
• Sam Houston was chosen leader of TX Army

5
The Alamo

• Feb. 1836 Santa Annas army arrived in San
  Antonio found 180 Texans in Spanish mission
  called the Alamo
• William Travis tried to give the forces time to
  prepare and sent for reinforcements, on 32
  settlers from Gonzales came.
• Held off Mexicans for 13 days before being
  overrun.
• During standoff, TX govt declared independence

6
Goliad and San Jacinto

• Mexican army overwhelmed TX troops at Goliad,
  executed 300 men, unified TX
• Anna made a mistake at San Jacinto, let his men
  sleep during the day, Houston launches attack
• killed hundreds and 700 taken prisoner, including
  Anna who signed treaty to retreat and recognize
  TX as independent
• Mexican Congress refused to sign but would not
  launch another campaign, TX won.

7
Republic of Texas

• Sam Houston was elected 1st president
• Voted to annex Texas to U.S. but the U.S. would
  not have them.