Settlement of TexasSettlement of Texas
American migration into Texas
Stephen Austin received a grant from the newly established Mexican government for a
colony in Texas.
Several hundred pioneers settled with Austin.
A new Mexican colonization law offered large land grants and thousands more came.
By 1836, 50,000 Americans lived in Texas
Most remained loyal to the United States.
They soon became upset with Mexican rule because
(1) Lack of self-government
(2) Mexico banned further immigration from the US
(3) Mexico abolished slavery in 1829
Things came to a head when Mexican president, General
Santa Anna abolished local rule and set himself up as dictator in
1835.
Rebellion Begins
Texans retaliated by setting up their own government and
declared their independence in March 1836
Santa Anna sent his army into Texas in January 1836 and
reached San Antonio in February
A force on 187 Texans under William B. Travis took a stand behind the walls of a Spanish
mission nicknamed "the Alamo"
Along with Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett, the Texans held
off 5,000 troops for 10 days
The Mexican troops finally fought their way into the Alamo
and slaughter everyone
After receiving word of the battle, Sam Houston united the
Texans under the battle cry "Remember the Alamo!"
Houston's army defeated Santa Anna at the Battle of San
Jacinto on April 21, 1836 and Texan won its independence.
Sam Houston as President of the Republic of Texas asked
President Andrew Jackson for annexation into the United
States
President Jackson refused the request fearing war with Mexico
if he agreed.
Texas wasn’t admitted into the Union until December 1845