1. The Republic of Texas
The Republic of Texas!!

2. Vocabulary
Siege – military blockade or bombardment of an enemy town or position in order to force it to surrender

3. Americans in Mexican Texas
For a long time, Mexico did not allow Americans to settle in Texas. But, when Mexico could not control the Indian raids, they finally granted Stephen Austin a land grant. This meant that he could bring a limited number of Americans in to settle in Texas.
Mexico was hoping that these settlers would help to develop the land and control Indian attacks.
In the beginning, Austin brought 300 families. By 1830, 20,000 Americans had moved into Texas.

4. Conflict with Mexico
Austin had agreed that his settlers would follow certain laws. They would become Mexican citizens, and they would worship in the catholic church. Also, slavery was supposed to be illegal in Mexico.
Austin’s settlers did not follow these laws. As more and more Americans came, those Americans felt very little connection or loyalty toward Mexico.

5. Review
Who is credited with bringing the first Americans to live in Texas?
What were the ruled the Americans had to agree to follow in order to be allowed to move to Texas?
Why would Mexico require Americans to follow those rules?

6. Mexico Takes Action
Mexico was nervous at the number of Americans who were living in Texas. They began to fear losing Texas. They quickly stopped any new settlers from coming into Texas.
Then, they started enforcing the laws that Austin’s settlers were supposed to be following. Everyone was required to go to the catholic church, and slavery was banned. These things had been overlooked before, but Mexico was trying to assert its authority.
Texans did not like this one bit!!

7. Texas Takes Action
When a new leader, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, came to power and made himself dictator over Mexico, Texans had had enough.
Texans had their first clash with Mexico at a town named Gonzales, and declared independence not long after.
Sam Houston was put in charge of the Texas army, and the fight was on.

8. Review
Describe two causes of the conflict between American settlers and Mexico?
What was the first battle of the Texas Revolution?
Why were Mexican soldiers sent to Gonzalez?

9. The Alamo
By the time Santa Anna reached San Antonio, the Texans had taken up positions in an old Spanish mission called the Alamo. There they waited for the Mexican attack.
The Texans fought bravely for 12 days, but they were outgunned and outnumbered. Eventually, the Mexican forces broke through the walls. Most of the Texans involved were killed in the battle. Those who survived the battle were executed.
The fall of the Alamo ignited cries for revenge. This new passion helped the Texans win the battle of San Jacinto and capture Santa Anna.

10. The Battle of San Jacinto
The fall of the Alamo ignited cries for revenge. This new passion helped the Texans win the battle of San Jacinto and capture Santa Anna.

11. The Lone Star Republic
Texas was now its own country, but that did not mean that everything was great. Texas was broke, and worse, Mexico was refusing to accept the treaty that Santa Anna had signed. Texas decided that it wanted to be annexed (added onto) by the US.
Southerners liked this, but northerners did not. By this time, slavery had become a big issue in the US. So, for the time being, the US decided not to annex Texas.