Texas Revolution

Road to War General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna became dictator of Mexico in 1835. Santa Anna sent his brother, General Coz, to deal with the U.S. immigrants. Americans in Texas decide war is their only option War began in October 1835 in a battle at Gonzalez, Texas. http://www.mexicanamericans.com/SantaAnna3.jpg

Battle of Gonzales October 2, 1835 The Mexican commander wanted the Texans at Gonzales to surrender a cannon that they had been given for protection against Indians. The Texans refused and loaded the cannon with scraps of metal and manure strapped a flag with the words: Come and Take it and began firing.

Texas Independence Texans declare independence on March 2, 1836 Republic of Texas Sam Houston named head of the Texas Army Stephen Austin went to the U.S. to seek money and troops. http://cookinlet.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/texas_independence.jpg

Convention of 1836 The Convention of 1836 (march 2, 1826), delegates gathered at Washington-on-the-Brazos. They adopted the Texas Declaration of Independence and wrote the Constitution of 1836. They created an ad interim government. David G. Burnet selected as president. George Childress wrote the Texas Constitution.

Goliad Massacre In early 1836, Fannin was stationed in Goliad with 400 soldiers. Fannin and his troops were captured by General Urrea on March 20 and forced to surrender because they were severely outnumbered. Fannin agreed to surrender and gave weapons with Urrea’s promise to spare his men’s lives.

Goliad Massacre Unfortunately, Santa Anna, overruled Urrea’s terms of surrendered and ordered the execution of every man at Goliad on March 27, 1836. Francita Alavarez, the Angel of Goliad, rescued many men the night before the massacre.

Runaway Scrape With the news of Santa Anna’s troops advancing and the Massacres of the Alamo and Goliad, Texans panic, packed and headed east. Sam Houston, the army’s general, knew he could not conquer Santa Anna and moved his troops east as well.

Battle of San Jacinto When Houston heard of the Alamo and Goliad, he retreated with his troops east in hopes to build an army prior to attacking Santa Anna. Santa Anna followed Houston and camped of the banks of the San Jacinto River, he ordered his troops to San Jacinto. Santa Anna’s troops: 1200 men Houston’s troops: 910 men

Battle of San Jacinto Santa Anna had camped on a hill. Houston used Santa Anna’s location against him. Houston burned the bridge at Lynchburg (to prevent escape) and used the trees at the base of the hill to mask his movements. During the Mexican siesta (afternoon naptime), Houston launched a surprise attack, the battle lasted 19 minutes, Texas won! Hillcrest

Treaty of Velasco Santa Anna nearly escaped but was found hiding in the grass when one of the captured Mexican soldiers saw him and yelled, “El Presidente!” Santa Anna signed the Treaty of Velasco, acknowledging Texas Independence.

Treaty of Velasco Signed on May 14, 1836 between interim president David G. Burnet and Santa Anna Declared the war officially over and Mexican forces would leave Texas and then Santa Anna would be returned to Mexico