Mexico s Independence Mexico declared its independence from Spain on September 16, 1810 The Mexican war for independence then lasted from

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2 Mexico s Independence Mexico declared its independence from Spain on September 16, 1810 The Mexican war for independence then lasted from Texas was the north-east territory of Mexico. Few people settled there even though the land was rich for farming, the angry Indians scared most Mexicans away. The young Mexican government needed a way to populate the area, get the Indians under control, and turn the territory into a profitable area. What is the solution?

3 Here is Stephen Austin signing Americans up to follow him to Texas! Let s invite the Americans! Americans were known to do just about anything for a profit. The Mexican government offered large land grants to Americans who were willing to come into Texas and farm between 1821 and The only catch was that these American immigrants would have to pay Mexican taxes and accept Catholicism NO PROBLEM Americans wanted the chance to get rich! Stephen Austin and others jumped at the chance -

4 Houston we have a problem The program to invite the Americans was a little TOO successful for the Mexican government. Americans kept pouring across the Mexican border in search of economic opportunity through farming. (Yes, REALLY Mexico had a problem with illegal American immigrants!) They closed the border in 1830 but we kept on coming! The Mexican government took action to stop the invasion Davy Crockett a famous American entertainer and member of the House of Representatives was once quoted as saying, You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas.

5 How do you stop the illegals? The Mexican Government decided to hit the Americans where it hurts. First, they raised taxes (booo!) Second, they restricted American rights (booo!) Finally, they outlawed slavery which would devastate the cotton production (double-booo!) The Americans living in Texas appealed to the U.S. Government for help

6 President Andrew Jackson was a little too busy beating up on the Indians, arguing with John C. Calhoun over the nullification theory, and killing the National Bank. Jackson was not sure if upsetting the Mexican Government was worth all of the hassle so he did not agree to help, but at the same time he would not denounce actions taken by the Texans. The angry Texans took matters into their own hands and declared INDEPENDENCE from Mexico!

7 Texas War for Independence; Stephen Austin was considered the political leader of the Texas Revolution against Mexico. He attempted negotiations with Mexican General Santa Anna for self-government, but it didn t work. Word was sent that the Texans declared their independence, and were willing to fight for their land and their freedom. Now it s ON!

8 The Texans had captured an old mission in San Antonio called The Alamo. General Santa Anna attacked the 187 defenders with several thousand troops! Things did not go so well for the Texans All were massacred, including prominent Americans Davy Crockett and Sam Bowie. Even though this was a victory for Mexico, the slaughter of the brave Texans became a rallying cry. The victims of the Alamo became martyrs for independence and Sam Houston would have his revenge! Remember the Alamo

9 Sweet Revenge! Six weeks after the massacre at the Alamo, Sam Houston led a small force of Texans against the much larger army of Santa Anna. Houston had the advantage of surprise and terrain, and he wiped out Santa Anna s army in about 18 minutes! General Santa Anna was captured, and forced to sign a treaty recognizing Texas Independence!

10 Republic of Texas; 1836 Sam Houston, elected as the President of Texas, requested that the U.S. annex (take) Texas and incorporate the territory. Again, President Andrew Jackson declined to get involved with Texas. Texas continued its requests but all were denied. Texas remained an independent republic for 9 years! Finally, in the election of 1844, expansion became a topic for debate. With the election of President James K. Polk, a champion of expansion, Congress annexed Texas in 1845! On December 28, 1845 Texas became a state