-
Sam Houston was a prominent political and military figure who served as the first President of the Republic of Texas. Elected in 1836, he played a crucial role in Texas' struggle for independence from Mexico. Houston had served as a military commander and led the Texan forces to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, where they secured Texas' independence. He later became a key figure in Texas' annexation to the United States and went on to serve as one of its U.S. Senators. -
-
The Texas Declaration of Independence, adopted on March 2, 1836, during the Convention of 1836, marked a significant turning point. It proclaimed Texas' separation from Mexico, established the Republic of Texas, and advocated for self-governance, personal liberties, and the restoration of Mexican federalism. This pivotal document played a vital role in Texas' path to independence and eventual annexation into the United States. -
The Battle of the Alamo was an important event in the Texas Revolution. A small group of Texan defenders bravely fought against a larger Mexican force led by General Santa Anna at the Alamo Mission in San Antonio. Though outnumbered, the Texans' courage inspired others to join the fight for independence. Despite their defeat, the battle cry "Remember the Alamo!" fueled the Texan forces to triumph at the Battle of San Jacinto and further important events. -
The Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836, was a decisive clash during the Texas Revolution. Texan forces, led by General Sam Houston, launched a surprise attack on the Mexican army commanded by General Santa Anna. In a short but intense battle, the Texans achieved a stunning victory, capturing Santa Anna and forcing him to sign the Treaties of Velasco, granting Texas' independence from Mexico. This triumph led to the establishment of the Republic of Texas. -
The conclusion of the Texas Revolution came with the signing of the Public Treaty of Velasco in 1837. This important treaty recognized Texas as an independent nation, with representatives from both the Republic of Texas and Mexican forces agreeing to its terms. Although the Mexican government later contested its validity, the treaty held significant importance in shaping Texas' journey towards statehood within the United States. Texas 175: A Dozen Documents That Made a Difference -
On November 25, 1836, after facing defeat at the Battle of San Jacinto and being captured by Texan forces, General Santa Anna left Texas to negotiate peace with the Texan government. His capture marked a turning point in the Texas Revolution, and his departure from Texas helped pave the way for the establishment of the Republic of Texas. -
On March 11, 1837, the United States officially recognized the Republic of Texas as an independent nation. This recognition came after Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836. Although there were controversies and debates within the U.S. government about recognizing Texas to avoid conflict with Mexico, President Andrew Jackson's administration decided to extend diplomatic recognition to the new republic. -
On August 4, 1837, the United States formally offered annexation to the Republic of Texas through a resolution passed by Congress. The offer proposed Texas becoming a territory of the United States with the option to join the Union as a state in the future. However, due to concerns over sectional tensions and the issue of slavery, Texas rejected the offer at that time, delaying its annexation until 1845.
-
Anson Jones was the last President of the Republic of Texas between 1844 and 1846. A skilled diplomat and physician, he played a vital role in stabilizing finances and improving relations with neighbors. His presidency marked the end of Texas as an independent nation, as the annexation process with the United States began shortly after his term. -
The annexation of the Republic of Texas by the United States took place on December 29, 1845. On this date, Texas officially became the 28th state of the United States after Congress approved the joint resolution for annexation, and Texas voters approved the annexation in a referendum. The annexation process concluded, and Texas ceased to exist as an independent nation, becoming an integral part of the United States.