Stephen Austin was a Missouri Banker with a dream ◦ Wanted to settle in Texas Problem: Texas belongs to Spain Solution: Has to get Spanish permission ◦ The Plan Move 300 families in Spanish Mexico and swear allegiance to Mexico Austin would die, leaving his son to carry on
While all of this was happening, Mexico gains its independence ◦ Had to make sure they still had permission to settle in Texas ◦ Austin and his group had to swear allegiance to Mexico, and convert to be Roman Catholic
By 1830, the population had grown to 20,000 ◦ Made up mostly of Americans ◦ Other colonies would form in Texas, but they did not always follow the laws ◦ Mexico began to worry, as Texas was not more American ◦ Mexico decided to ban American Immigrants
Mexico would combine Texas and Coahuila make it one state ◦ Texans are angry ◦ In the mean time, a new leader took over Mexico Santa Anna was no a trustworthy leader As a result, Austin felt the need to form their own government Santa Anna thought this was a step towards separating from Mexico and he took action
The Texans know a fight is coming, and prepare a voluntary army ◦ Led by Sam Houston ◦ They took control of the Alamo ◦ Word spread, and Santa Anna sent his men to meet the Texans in San Antonio ◦ Texans and Anti-Santana Mexicans banded together and fought Santa Anna at the Alamo Santa Anna’s men were victorious They left one survivor, and that person would spread the word of Santa Anna’s victory
Santa Anna hoped this would stop future rebellions ◦ Instead, it unified Texas ◦ “Remember the Alamo”
Santa Anna’s troops marched across Texas gaining easy victories General Sam Houston has an idea ◦ Trick Santa Anna into thinking the Texans were retreating ◦ The plan worked and the Texans were able to surprise the forces and capture Santa Anna’s army Texas then declared their independence ◦ Became a republic ◦ Hoped U.S. would annex Texas
Because of the Lone Star on their flag, Texas is known as The Lone Star State It would take 10 years for the U.S. to annex Texas