Lamar’s Plan for the Republic of Texas Lamar’s plan: 1. Clear Texas of all Native Americans 2. Spend large sums of borrowed money on military expeditions. 3. Wanted Texas to remain independent and expand its territory.

Clashes with Native Texans Lamar wanted to kill or force Native Americans out of Texas. The Cherokees became his first targeted group – Lamar ordered Chief Bowles to lead the Cherokees out of Texas. Chief Bowles refused to leave. Lamar sent General Douglass to drive them out! Douglass’ militia attacked the Cherokees near the Neches River on July 16, Chief Bowles was killed and the Cherokees were forced to move to Oklahoma.

Clashes with Native Texans Lamar’s next target were the Comanche's in Southwest Texas. Comanche’s agreed to a meeting in San Antonio to discuss peace. Comanche's promised to surrender all Anglo captives. Only delivered one girl, Matilda Lockhart, who looked as though she might have been tortured. Texans were furious! The Texans demand that they release all captive's. The Comanche’s protested stating that those captive’s were being held by leaders who were not present at the meeting.

Clash with the Native Texans When the Comanche's leaders tried to leave, the Texans attacked. This conflict became known as the Council House Fight. Led to the deaths of 7 Texans and many Comanche leaders, who were outnumbered and unarmed. When news reached the other Comanche tribes, they were furious! In response the Comanche’s killed the remaining Anglo captives and raided the towns of Linnville and Victoria in South Texas.

Battle of Plum Creek August 11, 1840, the Comanche's and the Texans fought in what became the Battle of Plum Creek. More than 100 Comanche's were killed. Bad feelings between the Comanche's and Texans continued for decades, but the raids had ceased.

Relations with Mexico Lamar’s attempts at improving relations between Texas and Mexico were ineffective. Lamar’s vision of a larger Texas also created conflicts with the present-day state of New Mexico. The Treaties of Velasco placed the border between Texas and Mexico at the Rio Grande, as far north as the present-day state of Colorado.

Santa Fe Expedition The Rio Grande as the boundary would include the city of Santa Fe and the Pueblo colonies as part of Texas. The U.S. Congress refused to allow troops to be sent to New Mexico. Lamar ignored the refusal and sent General McLeod and 270 men to Santa Fe to convince the people that they were Texans.

Santa Fe Expedition Once the troops arrived, the people refused to become part of Texas. Without supplies to get back home, the Texas troops surrendered to New Mexican authorities and were marched back to Texas. Effects of the Santa Fe Expedition: 1. wasted money Texas did not have 2. increased tensions between TX and Mexico 3. resulted in a loss of life

A New Capitol for Texas In 1839, TX congress authorized the capitol to be moved to a location along the Colorado River. This new city was named Austin, in honor of Stephen F. Austin.

Education Lamar is best known for his contributions to education in the Republic of Texas. He wanted to create a public school system in Texas. He believed a strong educational system would make Texas a great nation. Texas Congress set aside 18,000 acres of land to build public schools. Also set aside 220,000 acres for 2 universities. Because of these actions, Lamar became known as the “Father of Education in Texas.”

Financial Difficulties The financial situation worsened during Lamar’s term as President of Texas. The use of bills known as “redbacks” (due to the color of ink used on the back). The redbacks went down in value and became worth almost nothing. As a result of Lamar’s spending, Texas increased the public debt to almost $7 million.

Sam Houston Returns Sam Houston returned to the Texas Presidency in Houston still wanted to be annexed to the United States and spend very little money.

Mier Expedition – the most disastrous of all border confrontations between TX and Mexico. About 300 Texans, under the command of William Fisher, moved into and occupied the city of Mier, Mexico. The troops left the city when the alcalde (mayor) promised to deliver supplies to the Texas troops. The supplies were never delivered so on Christmas Day, the Texas troops again entered Mier by force.

Mier Expedition Heavy fighting ensued. Texas suffered 31 killed and wounded Mexicans suffered 600 killed and 200 wounded Texans eventually surrendered due to lack of supplies. Texas prisoners were at first sentenced to executed but the sentence was later reversed. 176 prisoners were sentenced to death after an attempt at escape.

The Black Bean Episode 176 Texas prisoners were sentenced to death by Santa Anna. However, Santa Anna eventually changed the sentence to 1 in every 10 men would be executed. Who was executed depended on what color bean they pulled from the jar. Each prisoner was blind folded and forced to choose a bean out of the jar. 17 prisoners that drew a black bean were blind folded and executed.

Houston Attempts Annexation…Again! New US president, John Tyler, wanted to allow Texas annexation. Vote went to the Senate and the ballot fell short by 1 vote. Texas annexation became a key component to future US presidential campaigns.

Election of 1844 Dr. Anson Jones was elected as the 4 th President of the Republic of Texas. James K. Polk won the US Presidency. This was great news for Texas and annexation! Dr. Anson Jones James K. Polk

Texas Becomes a State February 26, 1845, Texas officially became the 28 th state of the United States. Congress approved annexation with a joint resolution.