The Republic Of Texas Chapter 14 sec 2

The Republic of Texas Trappers and traders were not the only Americans interested in Mexican lands. Southern farmers began to hear of Texas, a perfect place to grow cotton. Unfortunately, Texas belonged to the King of Spain

San Felipe de Austin Stephen Austin brought the first group of settlers to Texas. The original name of Texas was San Felipe de Austin. Austin’s colony prospered. By 1830, it had as many as 20,000 people. Every settler had to become a Mexican citizen and abide by Mexican law. Every settler also had to promise to become a Roman Catholic. Austin agreed, but new settlers did not always keep their promises. By 1830, fearful that settlers may seize Texas, the Mexican government banned American immigration.

Stephen Austin San Felipe de Austin (present day Texas)

Santa Anna In 1833, Texas learned that an army officer named Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna had taken over Mexico’s government. They asked that Texas be made a separate Mexican state so they can run their own affairs. Texas learned that Santa Anna was sending troops to Texas. Texans vowed to fight and chose Sam Houston to lead their army.

Sam Houston vs. Santa Anna

The Alamo Santa Anna’s troops killed 180 defenders of the Alamo, an old Spanish mission. Among the dead at the Alamo was Davy Crockett, a former Congressman from Tennessee, and Jim Bowie. A few women and children survived the ordeal. However, “Remember the Alamo”, became a rallying cry that led Texas to victory.

Davy Crockett Jim Bowie

The Alamo The Alamo (1833) The Alamo (TODAY)

Texas Victory Texas won the final victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. Texans expected the United States to recognize Texas as an independent nation, then annex it. Annex-to take a territory and add it on to the country

The Lone Star Republic Americans feared that annexing Texas might lead to war with Mexico. Americans also disagreed over admitting a new slave state to the Union. Texas, also known as the Lone Star Republic because of the single star on its flag was an independent nation for 10 years.

The Lone Star Republic 1836-1846

Texas “The Lone Star State”