Independence for TexasIndependence for TexasChapter 9.2Chapter 9.2

Opening Texas to the AmericansOpening 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 TexasAmericanizing 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 Texas goes to WarWar

• 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 AlamoThe 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 JacintoGoliad 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 TexasRepublic of Texas

• Sam Houston was elected 1st president

• Voted to annex Texas to U.S. but the U.S. would not

have them.