By Morgan J. Burris Lexington Middle School

 Mexico won its independence from Spain in  The Northern section was very isolated from the capital and harassed by natives.  Encouraged American settlement in this empty land if the Americans came Mexican citizens, followed Mexican law, and converted to Roman Catholicism

 Some people came to area on their own  Empresarios – Spanish ‘agents’ or ‘contractors’ required people  National Colonization Act – Large grants of land if settled  Steven Austin – most successful, founded Washington-on-the-Brazos

1. Some settlers adopted, most did not… Most Mexicans distrusted ‘American’ settlers. 2. Benjamin Edwards declares “Fredonia” – independent American nation, Dispersed by S. Austin 3. Result – Mexico closed border, stopped importing slaves, taxed imports. 4. New laws upset American settlers worse.

 Settlers hold two conventions, Steven Austin to negotiate with Mexican Gov’t.  Austin recommends peacefully organized a possible new state gov’t  Mexican President – Antonio Lopéz de Santa Anna has Austin arrested for treason.  April 1834 – Santa Anna overthrows gov’t, becomes dictator

1. Mexican army plagued by political instability, lack of training & support. 2. Rebels had success against much larger Mexican Army. 3. Texans declared independence on March 2, 1836

Spanish Catholic Mission in San Antonio Texas  Texans had little training and no clear leader. 1. Lt. Col. William b. Travis trapped in Alamo w/ 180 rebels 2. Santa Anna – 6,000 Mexican Troops surrounded it

The Army of Santa Anna by Jim Carson

 Rebels plan was to stall Santa Anna till Sam Houston – former governor of Tennessee, could raise more men for army…  Only 32 guys came to help, little ammo or guns, rebels held out for 13 days.  Over run on March 6, 1836 killing over 600 Mexicans, all were killed eventually.

 Two weeks later, Texan rebels overrun at Goliad, Santa Anna ordered them all killed.

 Sam Houston needed more time and men. At river camp along San Jacinto, Santa Anna allowed his men to rest / sleep. Texans took advantage / ambushed them.  Texans screamed “Remember the Alamo!” took minimal causalities. - Killed hundreds of Mexicans and captured hundreds in 20 mins. - Santa Anna captured also, forced to sign treaty.

 Sept – new republic elected Sam Houston first president. - Voted in favor of annexation with United States. - Northern states refused, because of slavery. - Jackson did recognize it as a independent nation. Sam Houston of Texas