The Road to Revolution

Texas Under Mexico’s Rule In 1824, Mexico adopted the Constitution of 1824 which established a federal government. The constitution gave limited power to the central government and broad power to the states (division of power called federalism) Most Tejanos, Texans, and US settlers supported the constitution as it gave more power to Texas.

Coahuila Y Texas In 1825 per the constitution, the Texas region joined the Mexican state of Coahuila forming Coahuila y Texas Texas remained a political subdivision and was later divided into 3 departments

Slavery (and other issues) in Texas “The colonists in Texas will not be Mexicans more than in name” – An American newspaper in 1825 One of the biggest issues to separate the US settlers in Texas and the Mexican government was slavery. During the 1820’s both Coahuila y Texas and the Mexican National government restricted slavery, even though many Texans ignored the restrictions Several Texans including Stephen F Austin were opposed to slavery but felt it was necessary at the time to keep the economy moving in the right direction. In 1827, the Coahuila y Texas state outlawed slavery. In 1829, President Vicente Guerrero issued a decree ending Slavery

The Law of April 6, 1830 In response to Mier y Teran’s report, The Law of April 6, 1830 was passed. This banned US immigration into Texas as well as made it illegal for Texans to bring in more slaves. Mexico hoped this would increase Mexico’s control over Texas President Vicente Guerrero

Conflicts at Anahuac 5 W’s of Anahuac Who: Hundreds of Troops stationed in Texas to enforce the Law of April 6, 1830 . A rebellion made of townspeople was led by the brother of an arrested man. What: Tensions were rising in Anahuac between Texans and Mexican officials Where: Anahuac- an important trade route and immigration point at the mouth of the Trinity River on Galveston Bay When: In the 1830’s after the Law of April 6, 1830 was passed Why: Import taxes/control of trade as well as the arresting of several Texans

The Turtle Bayou Resolutions 5 W’s of The Turtle Bayou Resolutions Who: Over 150 Texas townspeople who opposed the actions in Anahuac What: An official document that stated the opinions and reasons behind the march/capturing of Mexican troops at Anahuac. Where: Turtle Bayou- a few miles from Anahuac When: June 13, 1832 Why: It was not a rebellion against the government but a defending of their rights under the constitution

The Battle of Velasco During the march and minor exchange of gunfire at Anahuac (prior to the resolutions), some of the men left to find a cannon in the town of Brazoria. Unaware that the resolution had been filed and the conflict was over, the men headed back to Anahuac. When they reached Velasco, the Mexican officials would not let them pass resulting in The Battle of Velasco on June 26, 1832. The Mexican army soon ran out of ammunition an surrendered to the Texas colonists

Bustamante VS. Santa Anna Anastacio Bustamante- Mexico’s President from 1830 to 1832 after overthrowing and killing President Vicente Guerrero. He took complete control of Mexico which did not comply with the Constitution of 1824 Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna- Led a revolt against President Bustamante and was successful. He was elected President in 1833. He had the support of Texas as well as much of Mexico. They all hoped he would restore the constitution.

Elected President of Mexico in 1833. Why 2? - many delegates did not attend the first convention leading to second convention The Convention of 1832/1833 Santa Anna Elected President of Mexico in 1833. Texans hoped he would… Convention of 1832/1833 Allow US immigration Make Texas a separate state Exempt TX from customs duties. Provide land for schools Constitution of 1824 Enforce because its federalists principles gave Texas strong local control.

Austin is ARRESTED!! Austin set out on a 3 month mission to Mexico City to present the demands established in the Conventions of 1832 and 1833 to Santa Anna in April of 1833. Because of other issues the nation was facing, Santa Anna and the congress could not meet to discuss Austin’s demands until November. In October, Austin (very frustrated) wrote to the Texas government ordering them to go ahead and begin organizing a state government; even though that demand had yet to be granted.

Austin is ARRESTED cont!! When Austin finally was able to meet with Santa Anna, all the demands from the conventions were granted EXCEPT Texas being made into a separate state. Austin was satisfied and returned to Texas only to be arrested by Mexican officials who intercepted the letter he had written. Austin was imprisoned for a year (without trial) for “Challenging the Mexican Government”

Early Battles Battle of Gonzales Date: October 2nd, 1835 Major People involved: Texan/US Settlers and Mexican Troops Purpose of Battle: Santa Anna’s failure to follow the constitution of 1824 -Battle broke out when Texans refused to surrender their cannon to the Mexican forces Outcome (who won): Texas Effects of battle: Texas rebel victory; starting point for the war; increase the confidence of the Texas Rebels

Causes Battle of Gonzales, October 2, 1835 Effects Santa Anna’s failure to follow the Constitution of 1824 rising tensions between Texans and the Mexican government demand that U.S. settlers at Gonzales hand over their cannon Texas rebel victory started a war between Texas and the Mexican government from which Texans could not turn back increased the resolution and confidence of the Texas rebels

Early Battles Date: October 10, 1835 Capture of Goliad Date: October 10, 1835 Major People involved: Martin perfecto de Cos, George Collinsworth, Ben Milam Purpose of Battle: Attack the Mexican garrison because there was fewer than 30 people there Outcome (who won): Texans Effects of battle: After this victory more people joined the rebel army

Early Battles Date: Nov 26 Major People involved: Stephen F. Austin, Edward Burleson Purpose of Battle: Cut off supply routes Outcome (who won): Although the Texans were disappointed, some realized the siege worked. About the battle: Rumor spread through the Texas camp that 100 Mexican soldiers were carrying silver. 100 infantry troops ambushed the Mexicans only to find bags of grass. Grass Fight

Capture/Battle of San Antonio Early Battles Capture/Battle of San Antonio Date: December 4-5 Major People involved: Ben Milam, Francis W. Johnson Purpose of Battle: Force the Mexican troops out of Texas Outcome (who won): Texans; Dec 10th the two sides agreed to Cos’s surrender Effects of battle: By December 9th the Mexican forces had been pushed out of the center of San Antonio, forcing Cos’s surrender

1. List in order the events that led to the Battle of Gonzales? 2. How did geographic factors such as landforms affect Texans preparing to lay siege to San Antonio? - Gonzales cannon recalled - The Mexican army’s demand that the cannon be surrendered - Texans call for reinforcement The riverbank helped the Texans 3. Why did the Grass Fight take place and what was the result? 4. What was the outcome of the siege of San Antonio? Texas troops believed that a Mexican supply train was carrying silver, so they attacked the train. They found only grass for the horses. Texans defeated the Mexican forces at San Antonio. Cos surrendered, and Mexican troops left Texas.

Early Conflicts of the Texas Revolution, 1835

Declaration of November 7, 1835 Consultation of 1835 PRO WAR Wanted to declare Texas Independence from Mexico PRO PEACE Wanted to remain loyal to Mexico and wanted the Const. of 1824 to be restored. Declaration of November 7, 1835 Pledged loyalty to Mexico, explained that Texans had used force only for defense and warned that if Mexico did not restore the Constitution… Texas would declare independence

The Provisional Government Governor- Henry Smith He was a member of the Pro War faction Three Commissioners: Stephen F Austin, William H Wharton and Branch T Archer Main Goals- Recruit volunteers and raise money Lieutenant Governor- James Robinson Commander and Chief of Army- Sam Houston General Council: 1. Estabished a Military Navy to protect the Texas ports and waterways 2. Scheduled a Convention to be held on March 1, 1836 Overall, the Provisional Government was ineffective and had poor leadership

Battle of the Alamo Main Players Davy Crockett:- A US Congressman from Tennessee who came as a volunteer. Helped fight for and defend the Alamo. Lost his life in the battle. James Bowie:- Was sent by Sam Houston to destroy the Alamo but later helped to defend the old mission as the Commander of the Volunteer Militia. Lost his life in the battle. William B Travis:- Was a leader of the forces who defended the Alamo. He wrote the famous “To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World”- a plea for aid and reinforcements as the Mexican Army was advancing. James Bonham:- A Volunteer from Alabama who also lost his life in the Alamo- He left at one point to get help only to return for the Fall of the Alamo Susanna Dickenson:- A noncombatant who was spared by Santa Anna. She was sent by Santa Anna with a message to Sam Houston regarding the future fate of Texas.

Battle of the Alamo Before The Seige How were the Texans prepared for the advancement of the Mexican Army? - They built up the mission walls, placed cannons around the Alamo. Stocked up on food and weaponry… Why protect “The Alamo”? - It was decided that the artillery and weapons housed in the Alamo were too valuable to destroy.

Battle of the Alamo The Seige and the Fall Date: Feb. 23 –March 6, 1836 (13 days) Major People Involved: TX--- William B. Travis, Davy Crockett, James Bowie; MX --- Santa Anna March 5th – Travis’ Line in the Sand incident involving Louis Rose leaving the Alamo March 6th – final assault in the early morning hours Outcome: TX lost; Mexico won; all Texans killed (183 men); Santa Anna sends Susanna Dickinson to Sam Houston with fate of Texans at the Alamo message Effects: Runaway Scrape begins; Sam Houston and TX army retreated eastward towards the US; determined to defeat Santa Anna; Battle cry: Remember the Alamo!

Later Battles/Events Runaway Scrape Date: March 11th Major People involved: Sam Houston and Texans Causes: Sam Houston and others learn of the fall of the Alamo A larger Mexican force is advancing on a smaller Texas force, Houston orders forces to retreat and burn Gonzales. Fear spreads across Texas and civilians flee Capture of Santa Anna by William H Huddle

Later Battles/Events Date: March 19th Battle at Coleto Creek Date: March 19th Major People involved: Gen. James Fannin (Texas), General Urrea (Mexico) Purpose of Battle: Texas troops stopped in a prairie and were surrounded by Mexican troops. Outcome (who won): Texans surrendered Effects of battle: most Texas rebels were march back to Goliad; led to Goliad Massacre Capture of Santa Anna by William H Huddle

Later Battles/Events Goliad Massacre Date: March 27th Major People involved: Fannin’s troops and soldiers captured outside of Victoria Purpose of Battle: Mexican soldiers executed more than 400 Texans after the battle of Coleto Creek. Outcome Few Texans escaped Effects of battle: Francita Alavez (who was traveling with the Mexican Troops) helped some escape and is known as the Angel of Goliad Capture of Santa Anna by William H Huddle

Later Battles/Events Date: April 20th-21st Battle of San Jacinto Date: April 20th-21st Major People involved: Santa Anna, Sam Houston, Mirabeau B. Lamar Purpose of Battle: Independence; The Texans took the Mexican army by surprise Outcome (who won): Texans- won their independence Effects of battle: Texans- won their independence the battle Lasted 18 minutes Capture of Santa Anna- Treaty of Velasco Capture of Santa Anna by William H Huddle

@ Washington-on-the-Brazos Convention of 1836 @ Washington-on-the-Brazos Results: Created the Declaration of Independence Created the Constitution of 1836 Set up a Ad Interim Govt. President (of the Convention) : Richard Ellis Delegates: Sam Houston, Lorenzo de Zavala, George Childress The Constitution of 1836 Legalized slavery in Texas Based on the US Constitution and included Bill of Rights ( Freedom of Religion- Freedom of the Press- Freedom of Speech- Trial by Jury)

To declare independence from Mexico To establish a Texas government and protect certain rights

Branches of Government Ad Interim Government During the Convention- a temporary government was assigned until elections could be held President: David G Burnet Vice President: Lorenzo de Zavala Branches of Government Legislative- create the laws and also known as the congress Executive- enforces/carries out the laws and led by the President Judicial- provides a court system