U.S. History & Geography: Independence for Texas, Chapter 7 Lesson 3

Who was Stephen Austin?

Austin settled in Texas on a land grant provided by Mexico to his father and he brought many American settlers there. He was one of the most successful empresarios.

When did Texas declare its independence?

March 2, 1836

What was the Battle of Goliad?

Mexican troops overwhelmed the Texans and Santa Anna executed more than 300 of them. The Alamo and Goliad united Texans in support of independence.

What happened at the Alamo?

Sam Houston commanded the Texas rebels. Santa Anna with thousands of troops marched to San Antonio to put down the rebellion. A small number of Texas rebels were holed up in a mission called the Alamo. Travis was in command and issued a plea for help while trying to give Houston's time to prepare. The Texans fought off the Mexicans until they were overrun.

How did the Battle of San Jacinto lead to Texan independence?

Sam Houston's army surprised Santa Anna and had a resounding victory. Santa Anna was forced to recognize independence for the Republic of Texas.

What was accomplished at the two conventions in San Felipe?

Stephen Austin was elected president. Texans asked Mexico to allow American immigrants, loosen the import taxes, and create a constitution as an independent Mexican state.

What happened in 1836 when Texas voted at the polls?

Texans voted Sam Houston as their president and voted in favor of becoming part of the United States.

How did the immigration of Americans to Texas eventually lead to Texan independence?

The American settlers never adopted Mexican ways and clung to their American way of life. When Mexico began making oppressive laws in the 1030s, such as restricting immigration and placing taxes on imports, Americans in Texas began thinking of independence. They elected Sam Houston as their leader and wrote a constitution based on the U.S. Constitution. Independence was won after some hard fought battles, like the Alamo, Goliad, and San Jacinto.

Why did the laws enacted by Mexico in 1830 infuriate American settlers?

The laws banned future immigration so the settlements could not grow. Import taxes meant they would pay higher prices on goods. But worst of all, the Mexican government was making rules for the American settlers.

Why did Mexicans distrust American settlers?

The settlers rejected Mexican ways and continued to live an American lifestyle.

What was the National Colonization Act?

This law gave larger tracts of land to empresarios, who agreed to fill these land grants with settlers. Empresarios governed the colonies they settled.