Mexico’s Independence• Mexico declared its independence from

Spain on September 16, 1810…

• The Mexican war for independence then lasted from 1810-1821.

• Texas was the north-east territory of Mexico.

• Few people settled there – even though the land was rich for farming, the “angry Indians” scared most Mexicans away.

• The young Mexican government needed a way to populate the area, get the Indians under control, and turn the territory into a profitable area.

• What is the solution?

“Let’s invite the Americans!”• Americans were known to do just

about anything for a profit.• The Mexican government offered

large land grants to Americans who were willing to come into Texas and farm between 1821 and 1825.

• The only catch was that these American immigrants would have to pay Mexican taxes and accept Catholicism…

• NO PROBLEM – Americans wanted the chance to get rich!

• Stephen Austin and others jumped at the chance -Here is Stephen Austin

signing Americans up to follow him to Texas!

“Houston – we have a problem”• The program to invite the

Americans was a little TOO successful for the Mexican government.

• Americans kept pouring across the Mexican border in search of economic opportunity through farming. (Yes, REALLY –Mexico had a problem with illegal American immigrants!)

• They closed the border in 1830 – but we kept on coming!

• The Mexican government took action to stop the invasion…

Davy Crockett – a famous American entertainer and member of the House of Representatives was once quoted as saying, “You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas.”

How do you stop the illegals?• The Mexican Government decided

to hit the Americans “where it hurts.

• First, they raised taxes (booo!)

• Second, they restricted American rights (booo!)

• Finally, they outlawed slavery which would devastate the cotton production (double-booo!)

• The Americans living in Texas appealed to the U.S. Government for help…

• President Andrew Jackson was a little too busy beating up on the Indians, arguing with John C. Calhoun over the nullification theory, and killing the National Bank.

• Jackson was not sure if upsetting the Mexican Government was worth all of the hassle – so he did not agree to help, but at the same time he would not denounce actions taken by the Texans.

• The angry Texans took matters into their own hands – and declared INDEPENDENCE from Mexico!

Texas’ War for Independence; 1835-1836

• Stephen Austin was considered the political leader of the Texas Revolution against Mexico. He attempted negotiations with Mexican General Santa Anna for self-government, but it didn’t work.

• Word was sent that the Texans declared their independence, and were willing to fight for their land and their freedom.

• Now it’s ON!

“Remember the

Alamo”

• The Texans had captured an old mission in San Antonio called The Alamo.

• General Santa Anna attacked the 187 defenders with several thousand troops!

• Things did not go so well for the Texans… All were massacred, including prominent Americans Davy Crockett and Sam Bowie.

• Even though this was a victory for Mexico, the slaughter of the brave Texans became a rallying cry.

• The victims of the Alamo became martyrs for independence – and Sam Houston would have his revenge!

Sweet Revenge!• Six weeks after the massacre

at the Alamo, Sam Houston led a small force of Texans against the much larger army of Santa Anna.

• Houston had the advantage of surprise and terrain, and he wiped out Santa Anna’s army in about 18 minutes!

• General Santa Anna was captured, and forced to sign a treaty recognizing Texas Independence!

Republic of Texas; 1836• Sam Houston, elected as the President of

Texas, requested that the U.S. annex (take) Texas and incorporate the territory.

• Again, President Andrew Jackson declined to get involved with Texas.

• Texas continued its requests – but all were denied. Texas remained an independent republic for 9 years!

• Finally, in the election of 1844, expansion became a topic for debate.

• With the election of President James K. Polk, a champion of expansion, Congress annexed Texas in 1845!

• On December 28, 1845 Texas became a state