1. The Texas Republic Prelude to the Mexican/American War

2. A letter to a Spanish Official from a French Frontiersman in 1811. “It has been founded by an active, industrious, aggressive people. Their development will constantly menace the domination of Spain in America and it would be an unpardonable error not to take all necessary steps to check their territorial advance.” Who is the subject of this letter?

3. Stephen F. Austin In 1822, Austin was an American living in Texas and prospering. Austin was among many Americans who came to Texas and agreed to become a Mexican citizen and Roman Catholic. More than 28,000 Americans poured into Texas. The Mexicans tried to limit this migration. Along with the Tejanos, Austin fought for Texas rights.

4. Tejanos in Texas Mexico Gains its independence in 1820 from Spain. The Tejanos in Texas wanted the Mexican government to protect them from Native Americans and recognize Texas as an individual state.

5. General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna In 1835, General Santa Anna seized control of the Mexican Government making himself virtual dictator. Texans were hoping that Santa Anna would understand their problems. He didn’t and sent his brother-in-law, General Cos, to Texas and take care of the “American” problem. In 1835, Mexican Troops marched to Texas to meet the Texans.

6. The Alamo Santa Anna’s army of 6,000 men attacked the Texans in San Antonio at the Alamo. The Alamo was defended by 183 Texans who were asked by Santa Anna to surrender.

7. Remember the Alamo The battle lasted 13 days with all 183 Texans defending the Alamo dying. The Mexicans suffered 1,500 casualties. “Remember the Alamo” became the rallying cry for many Texans in their fight for independence.

9. Davy Crockett A Tennessee bear hunter and a former congressman. He was killed at the Alamo.

10. Sam Houston A hard drinking Native American fighter and former governor of Tennessee His army was able to avenge the Alamo with the rallying cry “Remember the Alamo” On April 21, 1836 the Texan army took a stand in the bayou country near present-day Houston at a site called San Jacinto. They attacked Santa Anna's army while it was sleeping, and, in a battle lasting only 18 minutes, routed the Mexican army and captured Santa Anna.

11. In 1836, Texas wins its independence and becomes a republic that lasts until 1846