Settlement of Texas

Settlement of Texas - Stephen Austin “Father of Texas” Continued the work of his father (Moses Austin) in setting up a colony in Spanish Texas. After Mexico got its independence from Spain, Mexico hoped that Americans would help develop the area and control Indian attacks. In 1821, Austin and 300 families move to Texas. Many of them were slave owners who brought their slaves with them. By 1830, about 20,000 Americans had re-settled in Texas.

Conflict with Mexico Texas settlers agreed to… 1) Become citizens of Mexico 2) Worship in the Roman Catholic Church 3) Ban Slavery

However, most settlers felt no loyalty to Mexico, only spoke a small amount of Spanish and most were Protestant. Tensions rose when Mexico forbade any more Americans from moving to Texas in 1830 and Mexico began enforcing its laws.

1833 = General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna comes to power in Mexico. Many believed he wanted to drive the Americans out of Texas. March 2, 1836 = Texas declares its independence from Mexico and sets up a new nation called the Republic of Texas.

Fighting for Independence Sam Houston Commander of the Army Will later become the first President of the Republic of Texas.

The Texans stood up to the Mexican army for 12 days. The Siege at the Alamo 200 Texans make a stand against Santa Anna’s army of 6000 men at the Alamo in San Antonio. William Travis led the Texans inside the Alamo- “Victory or Death” was his battle cry. The Texans stood up to the Mexican army for 12 days. All Texans were killed in the battle or executed. Texan forces sought soldiers and supplies.

The Battle of San Jacinto Angry over the siege at the Alamo, volunteers flooded in to Houston’s army. April 25th 1836 = Sam Houston takes revenge. “Remember the Alamo!” Over 1330 Mexican killed or captured, including Santa Anna - the battle only lasted 18 minutes. Forced Santa Anna to sign a treaty granting independence.

Created a constitution and elected Sam Houston as their 1st President The Lone Star Republic Created a constitution and elected Sam Houston as their 1st President Problems they faced… Mexico refused to accept the treaty Texas was nearly bankrupt Thought the solution was to become part of the U.S. The slavery issued became a major concern For 10 years, the U.S. refused to annex it