Questions and Answers
What is a summary and definition of the Texas Revolution?
The Texas Revolution, also known as the Texas War of Independence, was a military conflict between Mexico and Texas colonists that began on October 2, 1835 and resulted in the establishment of the Republic of Texas.
What was the most famous battle during the Texas Revolution?
The Battle of the Alamo
What were some of the causes of the Texas Revolution? (Select all that apply)
What role did the Mexican military play regarding the Texas Revolution?
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The Americans were generally willing to accept the Roman Catholic religion.
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What critical role did Vince's Bridge play during the Battle of Jacinto?
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What tragic event occurred during the Goliad Massacre?
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Who led the Texas army in the Battle of Jacinto?
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Study Notes
Overview of the Texas Revolution
- The Texas Revolution, also known as the Texas War of Independence, was a conflict between Mexico, led by General Santa Anna, and Texan colonists.
- The revolution initiated on October 2, 1835, culminating in the Republic of Texas's establishment after the battle at Vince's Bridge on April 21, 1836.
The Battle of the Alamo
- The Battle of the Alamo is the most renowned conflict of the Texas Revolution.
- Featured a small force of 180 Americans, including William B. Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett, against a Mexican army numbering around 4,000, led by General Santa Anna.
Causes of the Texas Revolution
- Strained relations arose due to cultural differences between Mexicans and American settlers, including:
- Language barriers, with many Americans refusing to speak Spanish.
- Religious tensions, as the Americans resisted accepting Roman Catholicism.
- Legal discrepancies, with Mexicans adhering to a "guilty until proven innocent" system versus the American system.
- The issue of slavery, as Americans from slave-holding states clashed with Mexico's opposition to the practice.
Political Context
- Mexican military demands for tax collection contributed to tensions, along with Santa Anna's autocratic rule.
- Overturning the Mexican constitution favored states' rights and diminished democratic governance, leading to dissatisfaction among colonists.
Economic Connections
- American settlers kept trading links with the U.S., fueling the belief that Texas and other parts of Mexico should rightfully belong to the United States.
Battle of Gonzales
- Marking the revolution's first military conflict, the Battle of Gonzales occurred on October 2, 1835, sparked by a dispute over a small cannon intended for protection against Native American raids.
- The Mexican government requested the cannon's return, leading to armed resistance and the conflict which resulted in one Mexican soldier's death.
Battle of Jacinto
- The Battle of Jacinto was the decisive confrontation of the Texas Revolution, fought on April 21, 1836.
- General Sam Houston led Texan forces at the San Jacinto River; the destruction of Vince's Bridge by Deaf Smith blocked Mexican reinforcements, resulting in a significant Mexican defeat.
- General Santa Anna was captured and later signed the Treaty of Velasco on May 14, 1836.
The Goliad Massacre
- The Goliad Massacre, a tragic episode, occurred on March 27, 1836, when over 350 Texan prisoners, along with their commander James Fannin, were executed by Mexican forces.
- This followed the Battle of Coleto, where Texan forces faced overwhelming superiority; General Urrea, under orders from Santa Anna, demanded unconditional surrender, leading to the massacre.
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Explore the key events and outcomes of the Texas Revolution, a pivotal conflict in Texas history. Understand the struggle for independence from Mexico, including significant battles and leaders. Test your knowledge with these flashcards that summarize critical moments in this important period.