Texas and Mexico
Texas was once a part of Mexico, but the relationship between the two was not always peaceful. Texas became a province of Mexico in 1821 when Mexico gained independence from Spain. However, conflict arose over issues such as immigration, slavery, and the role of the government in the lives of citizens.
Tension between settlers and Mexican government
Tensions increased when American settlers began to move into Texas in the early 1820s. Although Mexico allowed Americans to settle in Texas, they required them to become Mexican citizens, learn Spanish, and follow Mexican laws. Texans began to feel that the Mexican government was too controlling and did not respect their rights as citizens.
The Battle of Gonzales: the spark that ignited the rebellion
In 1835, the Mexican government sent troops to take back a cannon that had been given to Texans for protection against Native Americans. The Texans refused to give it up and flew a flag with the words “Come and Take It”. This led to an armed confrontation known as the Battle of Gonzales, which marked the beginning of the Texas Revolution.
Formation of the Provisional Government of Texas
After the Battle of Gonzales, Texans began to organize themselves. Delegates from across Texas met in November 1835 and formed the Provisional Government of Texas. They also elected Sam Houston as commander-in-chief of the Texas army.
The Siege of San Antonio: the first major battle
In late 1835, Texans laid siege to the Mexican garrison in San Antonio. After a two-month battle, the Texans captured the city and its fort, the Alamo.
The Texas Declaration of Independence
On March 2, 1836, the delegates to the Convention of 1836 declared Texas independent from Mexico. They drafted a declaration of independence that outlined the reasons for their rebellion and their vision for a new Texas government.
The Battle of the Alamo: a heroic but doomed stand
In February 1836, a group of Texans, including famous figures like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, defended the Alamo against a much larger Mexican army. Although the Texans fought valiantly, they were all killed in battle.
The Goliad Massacre: a turning point in the war
In March 1836, the Mexican army captured a group of Texans at Goliad, including Colonel James Fannin. Despite promises of fair treatment, the Mexican army executed over 300 Texans in what came to be known as the Goliad Massacre. This event galvanized Texans and increased support for the war effort.
The Battle of San Jacinto: the decisive victory
On April 21, 1836, Sam Houston led the Texas army in a surprise attack on the Mexican army at San Jacinto. The Texans won a decisive victory, capturing Santa Anna, the Mexican president, and forcing him to sign a treaty recognizing Texas independence.
The Treaty of Velasco: Mexico recognizes Texas independence
The Treaty of Velasco, signed on May 14, 1836, officially recognized Texas as an independent nation. Mexico agreed to withdraw its troops from Texas and to recognize the Rio Grande as the southern boundary of Texas.
Texas becomes a republic
After gaining independence, Texas became a republic with Sam Houston as its first president. However, the new republic faced many challenges, including debt, lack of recognition from other nations, and conflicts with Native American tribes.
Annexation by the United States
In 1845, Texas was annexed by the United States and became its 28th state. This led to tensions between the US and Mexico, which eventually resulted in the Mexican-American War. However, the process of Texas gaining independence had set the stage for future expansion of the United States and helped shape the country’s identity.
