Texas
is the only state in the Union that was once an independent republic,
a status it gained as a result of the war between Mexico and American
settlers.
After gaining independence from Spain, the newly formed
government of Mexico encouraged Americans to settle the sparsely populated
region of Texas. However, language and religious differences, along with
a rebellious nature toward the Mexican government on the part of the settlers,
created a hostile situation.
The Texas Revolution began in 1835 when the Americans
thwarted the attempts of Mexican soldiers, under the command of dictator
Santa Anna, to disarm them. On 2 March 1836, Texas declared its independence
from Mexico.
Although the hastily gathered Texas army won several
of the initial battles, they suffered a tragic defeat at the San Antonio
mission known as the Alamo. It was there that 187 Texan rebels heroically
held off over 2000 Mexican soldiers for 12 days.
"Remember the Alamo" became the rallying cry of the
rebels and Santa Anna was finally defeated and captured at the Battle
of San Jacinto, where he was forced to recognize the independence of Texas.
Ten years later, Texas was annexed by the United States. |
Texas
Revolution @ HistoryChannel.com
- Read an overview of the battles and check out the related links.
War
of Independence
- Find articles on the events and people of the war against Mexico.
Remember
the Alamo - World Wide School offers the complete text of the book
by Amelia E. Barr.
Military
Rolls - Find records for soldiers who fought for Texas when it was
its own independent nation.
Handbook
of Texas - Gives a lengthy overview of the struggle for independence
from Mexico.
The Alamo - Offers an overview of the Texas War for Independence,
focusing on defeat at the Alamo.
The
Battle of San Jacinto - Read a detailed description of the last
battle of the Texas War for Independence.
Texas
Almanac - Locate a timeline of important events concerning the Texas
Revolution.
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