Texas Revolution History Quiz

Texas Revolution

The Texas Revolution, also known as the Lone Star Revolution, was a series of battles for the independence of Texas from Mexico and its subsequent annexation by the United States. It began with a rebellion against Mexican rule in October 1835, culminating in the Battle of San Jacinto in April 1836, which secured the independence of Texas.

Causes of the Texas Revolution

Several factors contributed to the outbreak of the Texas Revolution. The initial cause was discontentment among Anglo settlers over the centralist policies introduced by the newly established government under General Antonio López de Santa Anna after his coup d'état in May 1833. These policies were perceived as hostile towards American immigrants, who saw themselves as more entitled to rights such as free land and self-governance due to their British heritage and being native English speakers. Additionally, conflicts between settlers and local Mexican authorities over boundaries, tax collection, and the importing of slaves further fueled tensions leading up to the revolution.

Key Events in the Texas Revolution

Key events during the Texas Revolution included:

• October 9, 1835: The first battle of the revolution occurred near Gonzales, where a small force of Texians defeated Mexican army troops attempting to retrieve a cannon they had taken earlier in the year.
• December 9, 1835: A declaration of war called the "Consultation" was issued by the Consultation meeting of delegates representing the various counties of Texas.
• February 23–March 6, 1836: The siege of the Alamo took place, where a small military garrison of 182 soldiers held out against Santa Anna's forces for 13 days before being overpowered.
• April 17, 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto occurred, resulting in the decisive defeat of the Mexican army and the capture of Santa Anna.
• April 21, 1836: Sam Houston was elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas.

Battles of the Texas Revolution

Some of the most significant battles of the Texas Revolution were:

• Battle of Gonzales: The first skirmish between Texian forces and Mexican troops, which ended in a victory for the Texians on October 9, 1835.
• Battle of the Alamo: A 13-day siege of a fort in San Antonio, where a small force of Texian defenders held out against Mexican forces before being defeated on March 6, 1836.
• Battle of San Jacinto: The final battle of the revolution, where the Texian forces, led by General Sam Houston, decisively defeated the Mexican army on April 17, 1836.

Important Figures in the Texas Revolution

Key figures involved in the Texas Revolution included:

• Stephen F. Austin: Known as the "Father of Texas," he was an American settler who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Anglo-American settlements in Texas.
• Sam Houston: A military and political leader who served as the President of the Republic of Texas from March 2, 1836, to December 28, 1836.
• General Antonio López de Santa Anna: The leader of the Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution, who was eventually captured at the Battle of San Jacinto.
• James Bowie: An American frontiersman who played a significant role in the defense of the Alamo.
• Davy Crockett: A frontiersman and former congressman from Tennessee who joined Bowie at the Alamo.

Outcomes and Impact of the Texas Revolution

The outcomes of the Texas Revolution were the establishment of the Republic of Texas, which lasted until it was annexed by the United States in 1845. The revolution and the subsequent annexation had several impacts on both Texas and the United States:

• Abolition of Slavery: The Republic of Texas banned slavery, although it was later reinstated in 1842.
• Political Structure: The republic's government was modeled after the United States, with a constitution, a unicameral legislature, and an executive branch.
• Economy: The Republic of Texas supported a free-enterprise economy and a government not interfering with private enterprise.
• Expansion of the United States: The annexation of Texas set the stage for the Mexican-American War and the eventual purchase of California and New Mexico from Mexico.

In conclusion, the Texas Revolution was a significant event in the history of Texas and the United States, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Texas and its eventual annexation by the United States.