1. Texas Revolution

2. Spanish Texas
In 1820, to defend land from hostile Native Americans, Spanish government offered huge tracks of land to empresarios (people who agreed to find settlers for the land).
Americans allowed to colonize… if agree to follow Spanish law
But when Mexico gets independence from Spain, American agreement invalid
Mexico agrees to honor it… BUT settlers must become Mexican citizens and members of the Roman Catholic Church
300 families came to settlement founded by Stephen F. Austin… eventually American population outnumbered the Mexican 6 to 1

3. Rising Tensions in Texas
Americans – resented Mexican laws, documents being in Spanish, outlaw of slavery
Tejanos – thought Am.s difficult/believed themselves superior
Mexican Government – closed immigration, required taxes, and sent troops

4. Texans Revolt
War Begins: Austin goes to Mexico City with list of reforms to meet with President General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
President agrees, but hears about letter supporting rebellion  jails Austin for a year
Sends more troops to Texas where they are defeated by the Americans and driven out of the Alamo – an old mission/current fortress

5. The Fight for the Alamo
March 1-2, Americans declare Texas a free and independent republic. Santa Anna’s troops surround… fighting lasts 12 days.
On 13th day, Mexican troops storm fortress. Texans fight until they run out of ammunition. At the end of the day, only 7 are alive. (1,000 Mexicans killed). Survivors are executed (Total deaths = 183).
Battle is a failure for the Americans

6. Freedom for Texas
Victory at San Jacinto – April 1836, Mexicans defeated in 18 minutes. Texas freed!
Republic of Texas – December 1836… nicknamed the Lone Star Republic. Many Texans want to join the U.S. Asked to be annexed (joined). Congress denies due to:
Concerns over slavery issue
Concerns over possible war with Mexico