Texas: Independence from Mexico

The Texas Revolution broke out (1835) in Gonzales when the Mexicans attempted to disarm the Americans and were routed. The American settlers then drove all the Mexican troops from Texas, overwhelming each command in surprise attacks. At a convention called at Washington-on-the-Brazos, Texas declared its independence (Mar. 2, 1836). A constitution was adopted and David Burnet was named interim president.

The arrival of Santa Anna with a large army that sought to crush the rebellion resulted in the famous defense of the Alamo and the massacre of several hundred Texans captured at Goliad. Santa Anna then divided his huge force to cover as much territory as possible. The small Texas army, commanded by Samuel Houston, protected their rear, retreating strategically until Houston finally maneuvered Santa Anna into a cul-de-sac formed by heavy rains and flooding bayous, near the site of present-day Houston. In the battle of San Jacinto (Apr. 21, 1836), Houston surprised the larger Mexican force and scored a resounding victory. Santa Anna was captured and compelled to recognize the independence of Texas.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Industry in the Late Twentieth Century
• Oil, Industrialization, and World Wars
• The Late Nineteenth Century
• Civil War and Reconstruction
• The Texas Republic and U.S. Annexation
• Independence from Mexico
• American Expeditions and Settlement
• Spanish Exploration and Colonization
• Government, Politics, and Higher Education
• Economy
• Places of Interest
• West Texas
• High Plains
• Blackland Prairies
• Rio Grande Valley
• Gulf Coast
• East Texas
• Geography
• Facts and Figures
• Bibliography

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