11.3 Independence for Texas

The Texas Revolution was a pivotal moment in American expansion. Fueled by cultural clashes and a desire for autonomy, Anglo-American settlers in Mexican Texas fought for independence, culminating in the creation of the Republic of Texas in 1836.

The new republic faced numerous challenges, from gaining international recognition to establishing economic stability. These struggles shaped Texas's development and set the stage for its eventual annexation by the United States, furthering the nation's westward expansion.

The Texas Revolution and Independence

Motivations for Texas independence

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• Desire for greater autonomy and self-governance
  • Dissatisfaction with centralist policies of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna that limited state sovereignty
  • Resentment towards Mexican government's attempts to restrict American immigration to Texas and enforce customs duties
• Economic incentives and opportunities
  • Abundant land suitable for cotton cultivation (cash crop) and other agricultural pursuits like cattle ranching
  • Potential for increased trade and commerce with United States, as Texas was geographically closer than other parts of Mexico
• Cultural and linguistic differences
  • Predominantly Anglo-American settlers seeking to maintain their language (English), religion (Protestantism), and customs
  • Resistance to Mexican attempts to impose Spanish language and Catholic faith on settlers, as required by Mexican law

Key events in Texas independence

• The Battle of Gonzales (October 2, 1835)
  • First armed conflict of Texas Revolution, known as "Lexington of Texas"
  • Texian rebels refused to return small cannon to Mexican authorities, sparking rebellion and symbolizing defiance
• The Siege of the Alamo (February 23 - March 6, 1836)
  • Texian defenders, including William B. Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett, held out against larger Mexican force for 13 days
  • Alamo's fall became rallying cry for Texian cause and symbol of heroic sacrifice: "Remember the Alamo!"
• The Goliad Massacre (March 27, 1836)
  • Mexican forces executed over 400 Texian prisoners of war who had surrendered at Battle of Coleto Creek
  • Increased Texian resolve and outrage against Mexican rule, seen as act of brutality
• The Battle of San Jacinto (April 21, 1836)
  • Decisive battle of Texas Revolution, fought near present-day Houston
  • General Sam Houston led outnumbered Texian forces to quick victory against Santa Anna's Mexican army
  • Santa Anna captured and forced to sign Treaties of Velasco, recognizing Texas independence

Anglo-Americans vs Tejanos in independence

• Anglo-American settlers
  • Primarily motivated by economic opportunities (land acquisition) and desire for self-governance
  • Led push for independence from Mexico, viewing it as oppressive government
  • Dominated political and military leadership of Texas Revolution (Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin)
• Tejanos (Mexican-born settlers of Texas)
  • Divided loyalties between Mexico and Texian cause, with some supporting each side
  • Some Tejanos, like Juan Seguín and Lorenzo de Zavala, actively supported fight for independence
    • Seguín commanded Texian forces at Battle of San Jacinto and served as senator in Republic of Texas
  • Others remained neutral or loyal to Mexico during conflict, not wanting to betray their native country
  • Faced discrimination and marginalization in newly independent Republic of Texas, despite contributions to cause
    • Seen as potential fifth column, with their allegiance questioned

Precursors to the Texas Revolution

• Empresario system: Mexican land grant program that encouraged settlement in Texas
• Mier y Terán Report: Mexican government report recommending measures to limit Anglo-American influence in Texas
• Law of April 6, 1830: Mexican legislation aimed at restricting American immigration and influence in Texas
• Fredonian Rebellion: Failed attempt at independence in 1826, foreshadowing future conflicts
• Anahuac Disturbances: Series of confrontations between Texian settlers and Mexican authorities in 1832 and 1835

The Establishment of the Republic of Texas

Analyze the key provisions and significance of the Texas Declaration of Independence

• Formally declared Texas's independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836
• Modeled after United States Declaration of Independence
  • Asserted right of Texians to self-governance and freedom from Mexican rule, which was deemed tyrannical
  • Listed grievances against Mexican government, including dissolution of federalist system (Constitution of 1824) and failure to protect rights of Texians
• Established Texas as independent republic
  • Laid foundation for creation of new nation and government, separate from Mexico
  • Set stage for Texas's eventual annexation by United States in 1845, aligning with the concept of Manifest Destiny

Evaluate the challenges faced by the newly independent Republic of Texas

• International recognition and diplomacy
  • Seeking recognition as sovereign nation from United States, European powers (Great Britain, France), and other countries
  • Navigating complex relationships with Mexico, which refused to acknowledge independence, United States, and other nations
• Economic stability and development
  • Establishing stable currency (Texas dollar) and financial system, including chartering banks and minting coins
  • Attracting investment and trade to support economic growth, especially in cotton industry
• Border disputes and security threats
  • Ongoing tensions and conflicts with Mexico over border between Texas and Mexico, with both claiming territory (Nueces Strip)
  • Protecting Texian settlers from raids by Native American tribes (Comanches, Kiowas) on frontier
• Political unity and governance
  • Establishing functional government and constitution (Constitution of 1836) for new republic
  • Balancing interests of various factions within Texian society, including Anglo-Americans, Tejanos, and recent immigrants from United States and Europe