1. Independence for Texas
Chapter 9.2

2. Opening 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

3. Americanizing 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,

4. Texas goes to War
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

5. The Alamo
Feb 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

6. Goliad 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.

7. Republic of Texas Sam Houston was elected 1st president
Voted to annex Texas to U.S. but the U.S. would not have them.