Texas Revolution: From War to Independence

1. Section 1: The War Begins Main Ideas • The Battle of Gonzales and the capture of Goliad were among the opening conflicts in the Texas Revolution. • The Texas army laid siege to San Antonio and fought several small battles against Mexican troops. • The Texas army drove the Mexican forces out of San Antonio.

2. Main Idea 1: The Battle of Gonzales and the capture of Goliad were among the opening conflicts in the Texas Revolution. Effects of the Battle of Gonzales • Texas rebel victory • Started a war between Texas and the Mexican government • Increased the resolution and confidence of Texas rebels

3. Main Idea 2: The Texas army laid siege to San Antonio and fought several small battles against Mexican troops. Events Leading to the Siege at San Antonio • Battle of Gonzales – October 2, 1824 • Battle of Goliad between Cos’s army and Texas volunteer army – October 10, 1835 • Election of Texas army officers and Stephen F. Austin as general – mid October 1835 • Battle at Mission Concepcion between 400 Mexican soldiers and rebel army – October 28, 1835 • Grass Fight between the Texans and Mexicans carrying feed for their starving horses – November 26, 1835 • Report of a captured Mexican officer inspired Texans to pursue their siege – December 4, 1835 • Texas troops attack San Antonio – December 5, 1835

4. Main Idea 3: The Texas army drove the Mexican forces out of San Antonio. Siege and Capture at San Antonio • Ben Milam, Francis W. Johnson, and 300 volunteers gather for an attack on San Antonio • December 5, 1835 – Texas troops attack Mexican forces • December 9, 1835 – Texans push the Mexican troops out of San Antonio • December 10, 1835 – Cos surrenders and almost all Mexican troops leave Texas

5. Section 2: The Consultation Main Ideas • The Consultation met to debate the future of Texas and to form a provisional government. • Conflicts soon arose within the new government.

6. Main Idea 1: The Consultation met to debate the future of Texas and to form a provisional government. Issues Debated at the Consultation • Pro-War – Wanted to declare Texas independence from Mexico • Pro-Peace – Wanted to remain loyal to Mexico; wanted to have the Constitution of 1824 restored; did not want to lost Tejano support • Both groups compromised in the Declaration of November 7, 1835

7. Main Idea 2: Conflicts soon arose within the new government. Government Under the Consultation and Its Problems • Created a provisional (temporary) government • The lack of clear goals and leadership led to disagreements

8. Section 3: The Siege of the Alamo Main Ideas • In early 1836 Mexican forces marched into Texas, while the Texas army was disorganized. • The Texan army chose to make a stand against the Mexican army at the Alamo mission in San Antonio. • The defenders of the Alamo gave their lives in a desperate effort to hold back the Mexican army.

9. Main Idea 1: In early 1836 Mexican forces marched into Texas, while the Texas army was disorganized. Condition of the Texas Forces • Texas troops were scattered in small groups • Unprepared for an advance by Mexican troops

10. Main Idea 2: The Texan army chose to make a stand against the Mexican army at the Alamo mission in San Antonio. Texans Defend and Prepare the Alamo • Was strategically located along the Old San Antonio River • Was one of the first towns Santa Anna’s forces would meet • The Alamo and its artillery were too important to destroy • Preparation consisted of building up walls and palisadesfrom which to fight • Places 21 cannons along the Alamo walls

11. Main Idea 3: The defenders of the Alamo gave their lives in a desperate effort to hold back the Mexican army. The Battle of the Alamo and the Final Hours • William B. Travis sends one of several pleas for help • Volunteers arrive from Gonzales • Mexican soldiers are attacked and are briefly repulsed • The Mexican army overwhelms the Texans and enters the Alamo

12. Section 4: The Convention of 1836 Main Ideas • The Convention of 1836 declared Texan independence. • The Constitution of 1836 established the first government for the Republic of Texas.

13. Main Idea 1: The Convention of 1836 declared Texan independence. Delegates to and Achievements of the Convention of 1836 • Delegates – Richard Ellis, President; George C. Childress, Sam Houston, Jose Antonio Navarro, Jose Francisco Ruiz, Lorenzo de Zavala • Accomplishments – Created Texas Declaration of Independence; set up an ad interim government; created the Constitution of 1836 • ad interim – temporary

14. Main Idea 2: The Constitution of 1836 established the first government for the Republic of Texas. Texas Constitution Modeled after U.S. Constitution • Created a new government with three branches: — legislative branch – makes the laws — executive branch – carried out the laws — judicial branch – provides a court system • Contained a Bill of Rights – statement of basic rights • New government constantly on the move, which made accomplishments difficult

15. Section 5: Independence Is Won Main Ideas • In the Runaway Scrape, Texans fled the Mexican army. • A Texan army surrendered at Goliad but was massacred a few days later at Santa Anna’s orders. • Texas won independence at the Battle of San Jacinto.

16. Main Idea 1: In the Runaway Scrape, Texans fled the Mexican army. Events Leading to the Runaway Scrape • Sam Houston and other Texans learn of the fall of the Alamo • A larger Mexican force advanced on a smaller Texas force at Gonzales • Fear spread across Texas and civilians flee eastward • Houston orders Texas forces to retreat and burn Gonzales

17. Main Idea 2: A Texan army surrendered at Goliad but was massacred a few days later at Santa Anna’s orders. Fannin’s Surrender at Goliad • Heavy fog enabled Mexican troops to surround the Texans who had no cover • Texans had a very limited water supply • Texans were outnumbered by Mexican troops

18. Main Idea 3: Texas won independence at the Battle of San Jacinto. Texans Win Independence • Mexican army makes camp in a vulnerable spot • Sam Houston calls a meeting and a decision is made for an immediate attack on the Mexican troops • The Texans stage a successful surprise attack on Mexican soldiers who were sleeping • Mexican surrender and Santa Anna is captured • Texans win their independence