Mexico’s Independence
• Mexico declared its independence from
Spain on September 16, 1810…
• The Mexican war for independence
then lasted from 1810-1821.
• Texas was the north-east territory of
Mexico.
• Few people settled there – even
though the land was rich for farming,
the “angry Indians” scared most
Mexicans away.
• The young Mexican government
needed a way to populate the area,
get the Indians under control, and turn
the territory into a profitable area.
• What is the solution?
“Let’s invite the Americans!”
Here is Stephen Austin
signing Americans up to
follow him to Texas!
• Americans were known to do just
about anything for a profit.
• The Mexican government offered
large land grants to Americans
who were willing to come into
Texas and farm between 1821 and
1825.
• The only catch was that these
American immigrants would
have to pay Mexican taxes and
accept Catholicism…
• NO PROBLEM – Americans
wanted the chance to get rich!
• Stephen Austin and others
jumped at the chance -
“Houston – we have a problem”
• The program to invite the
Americans was a little TOO
successful for the Mexican
government.
• Americans kept pouring across
the Mexican border in search of
economic opportunity through
farming. (Yes, REALLY –
Mexico had a problem with
illegal American immigrants!)
• They closed the border in 1830
– but we kept on coming!
• The Mexican government took
action to stop the invasion…
Davy Crockett – a famous American
entertainer and member of the House of
Representatives was once quoted as
saying, “You may all go to Hell, and I
will go to Texas.”
How do you stop the illegals?
• The Mexican Government decided
to hit the Americans “where it
hurts.
• First, they raised taxes (booo!)
• Second, they restricted American
rights (booo!)
• Finally, they outlawed slavery
which would devastate the cotton
production (double-booo!)
• The Americans living in Texas
appealed to the U.S. Government
for help…
• President Andrew Jackson was a little too
busy beating up on the Indians, arguing
with John C. Calhoun over the
nullification theory, and killing the
National Bank.
• Jackson was not sure if upsetting the
Mexican Government was worth all of the
hassle – so he did not agree to help, but
at the same time he would not denounce
actions taken by the Texans.
• The angry Texans took matters into their
own hands – and declared
INDEPENDENCE from Mexico!
Texas’ War for Independence;
1835-1836
• Stephen Austin was considered
the political leader of the Texas
Revolution against Mexico. He
attempted negotiations with
Mexican General Santa Anna
for self-government, but it
didn’t work.
• Word was sent that the Texans
declared their independence,
and were willing to fight for
their land and their freedom.
• Now it’s ON!
• The Texans had captured an old mission
in San Antonio called The Alamo.
• General Santa Anna attacked the 187
defenders with several thousand troops!
• Things did not go so well for the Texans…
All were massacred, including prominent
Americans Davy Crockett and Sam
“Remember
Bowie.
the
• Even though this was a victory for
Alamo”
Mexico, the slaughter of the brave
Texans became a rallying cry.
• The victims of the Alamo became
martyrs for independence – and Sam
Houston would have his revenge!
Sweet Revenge!
• Six weeks after the massacre
at the Alamo, Sam Houston
led a small force of Texans
against the much larger army
of Santa Anna.
• Houston had the advantage of
surprise and terrain, and he
wiped out Santa Anna’s army
in about 18 minutes!
• General Santa Anna was
captured, and forced to sign a
treaty recognizing Texas
Independence!
Republic of Texas; 1836
• Sam Houston, elected as the President of
Texas, requested that the U.S. annex (take)
Texas and incorporate the territory.
• Again, President Andrew Jackson declined
to get involved with Texas.
• Texas continued its requests – but all were
denied. Texas remained an independent
republic for 9 years!
• Finally, in the election of 1844, expansion
became a topic for debate.
• With the election of President James K.
Polk, a champion of expansion, Congress
annexed Texas in 1845!
• On December 28, 1845 Texas became a
state