Battles of the Texas Revolution

1. Battles of the Texas Revolution

2. Critical Thinking • Do you believe Texas were justified in declaring for independence? Or should they have remained loyal to Mexico? Give you opinion in 3 sentences. Explain your Choice.

3. The Grass Fight • Stephen F. Austin was the commander in San Antonio. He left his post to travel to the United States to ask for aid during the war. • Edward Burleson was chosen to command the volunteer army in Austin’s absence. • Soon after Burleson became commander, one of the volunteer army scouts, Erastus “Deaf” Smith, reported that a Mexican cavalry and mule train were headed toward San Antonio.

4. The Grass Fight • The Texans believed the mules were carrying bags of silver to pay Mexican troops in San Antonio. • The Texans fought with the Mexican troops and were disappointed to find out the mules were only carrying grass for Calvary horses. • This is why this skirmish became known as “The Grass Fight”

5. Siege of Bexar • As Burleson prepared to leave San Antonio he received news that the Mexican army was weak and could not survive a major attack. • Because most of the army decided not to attack Ben Milam assembled his own forces. • He used his famous plea “Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?” to gain soldiers. • Milam was able to gather nearly 300 volunteers

6. Siege of Bexar • Milam divided his force into two columns • One the he would lead, and the other for Frank W. Johnson to lead. • Frank was a close friend to Stephen F. Austin and highly favored Texas Independence. • The Assault began on Dec. 5th and lasted 4 Days

7. Siege of Bexar • Because the Mexican Army was more equipped to battle in an opened field, Milam’s army got the best of them. • On the Third day of Battle, Milam was killed and Johnson took full command of the Army. • The Mexican Forces were driven into the Alamo and Mexican commander Cos asked for surrender terms on Dec. 9th.

8. Siege of Bexar • Mexican Commander Cos Promised to never again fight against the colonists or the Constitution of 1824. • Commander Cos and his soldiers were allowed to return to Mexico a few days later.

9. Goliad Massacre • Colonel James W. Fannin led about 300 revolutionaries in another part of Texas while the battle at the Alamo was going on. • William Travis wanted him to come to San Antonio with reinforcements, but Fannin never made it. • On his way there, Mexico’s General Urrea was too close to Fannin’s Army, so Sam Houston ordered Fannin to retreat.

10. Goliad Massacre • While retreating They stopped in a field near Coleta Creek to rest and were surrounded by Urrea’s troops. • After two days of fighting, Fanninsurrendered. • All the captives thought they would be returned to the US – instead, they were marched to Goliad where Santa Anna ordered that they all be executed!

11. Recall your Knowledge • Raise your hand and recite a fact from todays’ lesson.