texas revolution, independence, and annexation
At the time Spain granted independence to Mexico in 1821, the land now comprising the state of Texas was very sparsely populated. A prosperous province was greatly in the interest of Mexico and Mexico was also interested in creating a buffer zone between the Mexican heartland and the Comanche tribe. So, the Mexican government started to encourage the settlement of this land by Americans, but with a few rules. The American settlers were expected to become Mexican. All immigrants from the United States were by law forced to become Catholic. When the Mexican government outlawed slavery in 1829, it expected the Texans to follow suit. None of the conditions were met, and a great cultural war was underway.
Led by Stephen F. Austin, American settlers came in large numbers to Texas. By 1835, American settlers outnumbered the Tejanos (Mexicans) six to one. Tension began to grow between American settlers and the Mexican government over the specific issue of slavery. They were also unhappy with Mexico’s ruthless leader, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. The American settlers wanted greater autonomy, or more control over their own affairs. In the hopes of easing tensions, Stephen Austin journeyed to Mexico City in 1833. But Mexico's dictator, Santa Anna, was not the negotiating type. Austin was simply thrown in jail. Although he was released after 18 months, relations between the Texans and the Mexicans deteriorated. Finally in 1835, war broke out between Santa Anna's troops and a ragtag group of Texan revolutionaries. In 1836, Santa Anna completed the infamous siege on the Alamo.
Despite a 13-day holdout, the 187 Texans were crushed by Santa Anna's forces, which numbered 5000 strong. The deaths of commander William Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett angered Americans as cries of "REMEMBER THE ALAMO!" rang throughout the land. Six weeks later, a large Texan army under Sam Houston surprised Santa Anna’s army at San Jacinto. Shouting “Remember the Alamo!” the Texans defeated the Mexicans and captured Santa Anna. The Mexican dictator was forced to recognize Texas’ independence and withdrew his forces south of the Rio Grande. On May 14, 1836, Santa Anna grudgingly recognized Texan independence. Between 1836 and 1844, Texas was known as the independent country of the Lone Star Republic.
Despite being an independent country, most Texans wanted to be annexed by the United States. They feared that the Mexican government might soon try to recapture their land. Many had originally come from the American south and had great interest in becoming a southern state. President Andrew Jackson saw trouble. Many Whigs and Abolitionists in the North refused to admit another slave state to the Union. Rather than risk tearing the nation apart over this controversial issue, Jackson did not pursue annexation while president. The Lone Star flag flew proudly over the LONE STAR REPUBLIC for nine years. Eventually, annexation was approved by Congress in 1845.
Led by Stephen F. Austin, American settlers came in large numbers to Texas. By 1835, American settlers outnumbered the Tejanos (Mexicans) six to one. Tension began to grow between American settlers and the Mexican government over the specific issue of slavery. They were also unhappy with Mexico’s ruthless leader, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. The American settlers wanted greater autonomy, or more control over their own affairs. In the hopes of easing tensions, Stephen Austin journeyed to Mexico City in 1833. But Mexico's dictator, Santa Anna, was not the negotiating type. Austin was simply thrown in jail. Although he was released after 18 months, relations between the Texans and the Mexicans deteriorated. Finally in 1835, war broke out between Santa Anna's troops and a ragtag group of Texan revolutionaries. In 1836, Santa Anna completed the infamous siege on the Alamo.
Despite a 13-day holdout, the 187 Texans were crushed by Santa Anna's forces, which numbered 5000 strong. The deaths of commander William Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett angered Americans as cries of "REMEMBER THE ALAMO!" rang throughout the land. Six weeks later, a large Texan army under Sam Houston surprised Santa Anna’s army at San Jacinto. Shouting “Remember the Alamo!” the Texans defeated the Mexicans and captured Santa Anna. The Mexican dictator was forced to recognize Texas’ independence and withdrew his forces south of the Rio Grande. On May 14, 1836, Santa Anna grudgingly recognized Texan independence. Between 1836 and 1844, Texas was known as the independent country of the Lone Star Republic.
Despite being an independent country, most Texans wanted to be annexed by the United States. They feared that the Mexican government might soon try to recapture their land. Many had originally come from the American south and had great interest in becoming a southern state. President Andrew Jackson saw trouble. Many Whigs and Abolitionists in the North refused to admit another slave state to the Union. Rather than risk tearing the nation apart over this controversial issue, Jackson did not pursue annexation while president. The Lone Star flag flew proudly over the LONE STAR REPUBLIC for nine years. Eventually, annexation was approved by Congress in 1845.