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Explore the struggle of Texas for independence from Mexico in the 19th century, including key events like the founding of Washington-on-the-Brazos, the rebellions led by Americans, the iconic battles at the Alamo and San Jacinto, and the establishment of the Republic of Texas under Sam Houston's leadership.
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Independence for Texas Chapter 9.2
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-Brazos, 1,500 Americans immigrate • Laws said immigrants had to become Mexican citizens & Catholic • Accepted at first, but few actually adopted customs, Mexicans distrusted settlers
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,
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
The Alamo • Feb. 1836 Santa Anna’s 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 gov’t declared independence
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.
Republic of Texas • Sam Houston was elected 1st president • Voted to annex Texas to U.S. but the U.S. would not have them.