1. Independence for Texas
Chapter 12 Section 2
Independence for Texas

2. A Clash of Cultures Conflict over Texas
After the Louisiana purchase of 1803, both the U.S. and Spain claimed the land in present-day TX
In the Adams-Onis Treaty in 1819, the U.S. gave up its claim

3. Land Grants
Mexico offered land grants in order to promote the growth of TX.
The first grant was received by Moses Austin. Moses died and the grant passed to his son, Stephen F. Austin
Stephen F. Austin recruited about 300 American families to settle in TX
Before the grants, most of the residents were Tejanos (Mexicans who claimed TX as their home)

4. Growing Tension By 1830 the Americans far outnumbered the Mexicans
The Mexican gov’t became alarmed by the number of Americans in TX and issued a decree ( an official order) that stopped American immigration. It also placed an import tax on American goods coming into TX.
The new policies angered the Texans.

5. Attempt at Reconciliation
In 1833 Stephen F. Austin traveled to Mexico City in order to discuss the Texans’ demands of removing the ban on American immigration and making TX a separate state in Mexico
Mexico’s president, General Santa Anna, would not agree to both demands. He later named himself dictator and overthrew Mexico’s constitution
Austin sent a letter back to TX suggesting independence. The letter was intercepted, and he was arrested

6. Early Battles
In 1835 conflicts began between Texans and Mexican troops.
Early battles occurred at Gonzales and San Antonio. Both were Texan victories

7. The Battle of the Alamo
In 1836 Santa Anna’s army surrounded the mission in San Antonio
After about 12 days, the army smashed through the walls and killed nearly every person, including Davy Crockett, William Travis, and Jim Bowie

8. Texas Declares Its Independence
In 1836 Texan leaders declared independence with a declaration that was similar to the U.S. one 60 years earlier
The new republic quickly selected a president and a vice president and named Sam Houston as the commander in chief of the forces
At Goliad several hundred Texan troops surrendered and were later executed. The action outraged Texans, who called it the “Goliad Massacre.”

9. The Battle of San Jacinto
Houston defeated Santa Anna near present-day Houston
Santa Anna signed a treaty that recognized the independence of TX

10. The Lone Star Republic TX seeks annexation
In 1836 Texans elected Houston as their president and asked the U.S. to annex TX.
Andrew Jackson refused because he did not want to upset the balance of free and slave states.

11. The Question of Annexation
Martin Van Buren put off the question of annexing TX for the same reason as Jackson
John Tyler supported annexation, but the Senate failed to ratify the treaty.

12. Texas Becomes a State
James Polk supported the annexation of TX and the control of the Oregon Country during his campaign in 1844.
Polk’s victory led to the statehood of TX in 1845.