Texas Battle for Independence

Jabulani ThompsonPeriod 8

Brief Timeline of the war

In the 1820’s Stephen Austin known as the father of

Texas led the first organized group of American settlers

to Texas. Austin's father got permission from the

Mexican government to found colonies in the eastern

area. Austin was hesitant to move to Texas but after his

father died, he felt obligated to do so. His father left

him instructions to complete the migration. By 1835

more than 30,00 Americans lived in that land what is

now Houston. As the numbers increased, Americans

demanded more power and political control.

Slavery

The American Texans wanted more power for one reason in particular and that was for slavery. Without the labor of slavery the cotton could not be grown properly and the Texans didn’t like this so they requested for the Mexican government to agree to slavery under their law. Even without their permission the American s had over 3,00 slaves in Texas. In due time the Americans became un patient and told the Mexicans they vowed to fight for independence if Mexico denied their request.

General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna as a young military officer, rebelled against the government, and gained considerable backing. By 1833, he was elevated to president of Mexico in a democratic election. He soon determined, however, that Mexico was not ready for democracy and pronounced himself dictator.

The beginning

In October 1835 the settlers finally clashed with the Mexican troops beginning the Texas war. The settler named Sam Houston was the Texans commander in chief. Santa Anna was shocked by the Texans defiance and answered back by leading an army of several thousand men north to put down the rebellion. Later Antonio headed for the Alamo and used it as a fortress. In December of 1835 the Texan rebels ousted the fortress. Thus the battle of Alamo started and lasted for 13 long days. The Texans were out numbered by hundreds. Even so the Texans killed roughly 4000 Mexicans. The Texans lost 180 men including their leaders Travis and bowie.

On march 2 1836, the rebels formally declared the founding of an independent Republic of Texas. By the end of the month it seemed as so the Texans were going to fall in the Mexicans army but most of them fled to the east. The over confident Antonio divided his army to finish of the rebels. Then shockingly 800 Texans regrouped at san Jacinto river under Sam Houston and routed the Mexicans in a matter of minutes. The Texans captured Antonio and forced him to sign the treaty of velasco. Mexico later denounced that treaty but let the Americans have the land.

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