Texas Revolution Notes PDF

1. Battle of Gonzales (October 2, 1835) Trigger: Mexican authorities demanded the return of a small cannon provided earlier to settlers for protection. Texians refused, raising a flag with the slogan “Come and Take It.” Event: Approximately 140 Texians repelled a Mexican force of 100...

1. Battle of Gonzales (October 2, 1835) Trigger: Mexican authorities demanded the return of a small cannon provided earlier to settlers for protection. Texians refused, raising a flag with the slogan “Come and Take It.” Event: Approximately 140 Texians repelled a Mexican force of 100 soldiers led by Francisco de Castañeda. Significance: Marked the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution and symbolized Texian defiance against Mexican control. 2. Siege of Béxar (October–December 1835) Background: After Gonzales, Texian militias marched to San Antonio de Béxar to confront Mexican forces led by General Martín Perfecto de Cos. Event: Texians, led by Edward Burleson, Ben Milam, and others, laid siege to the town for two months. In early December, they launched an assault and forced Cos to surrender on December 9, 1835. Outcome: Texians captured San Antonio and expelled Mexican troops from Texas. Cos’ retreat signified a major Texian victory. 3. Declaration of Independence (March 2, 1836) Event: Delegates at the Convention of 1836 in Washington-on-the-Brazos declared Texas’ independence from Mexico. Document: The Texas Declaration of Independence outlined grievances against Mexico, particularly its transition from a federalist to a centralist government under Santa Anna. Result: Established the Republic of Texas and a provisional government. 4. Battle of the Alamo (February 23–March 6, 1836) Background: Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna led a large army to Texas to crush the rebellion. Event: Santa Anna besieged the Alamo, a fortified mission in San Antonio, defended by around 200 Texians, including notable figures like William B. Travis, James Bowie, and Davy Crockett. After 13 days, Mexican forces overwhelmed the defenders, killing all combatants. Significance: Though a Mexican victory, the Texians’ sacrifice inspired widespread support for the revolution, coining the rallying cry, “Remember the Alamo!”  5. Goliad Massacre (March 27, 1836) Background: Texian Colonel James Fannin and his troops surrendered to Mexican forces after the Battle of Coleto (March 19–20). Event: Santa Anna ordered the execution of 400 Texian prisoners at Goliad. Impact: The massacre galvanized Texian resistance, adding to the outrage after the Alamo. 6. Battle of San Jacinto (April 21, 1836) Background: Texian General Sam Houston retreated strategically to gather forces while avoiding direct confrontation with Santa Anna’s army. Event: At the San Jacinto River, Houston’s army of 900 launched a surprise attack on Santa Anna’s 1,200 troops during their siesta. The battle lasted only 18 minutes, with Texians killing or capturing most of the Mexican forces. Key Moment: Santa Anna was captured the following day, dressed as a common soldier. Outcome: Santa Anna signed the Treaties of Velasco, agreeing to withdraw Mexican troops from Texas. 7. Aftermath Republic of Texas: Texas became an independent nation, with Sam Houston as its first president. Mexican Response: Mexico refused to recognize Texian independence and considered Texas a rebellious territory. Annexation: Texas joined the United States in 1845, escalating tensions that contributed to the Mexican-American War (1846–1848).