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Declaración del Pueblo de Tejas
Although not a formal declaration of independence, legitimized the rebellion of Texas by expressing the grievances against the centralist Mexican government as unconstitutional. The declaration was signed by delegates from across Texas at a the Consultation and welcomed assistance from Mexicans and others in their fight against the centralist Mexican government. ("Declaración del Pueblo de Tejas, November 7, 1835", 2019) Image Credit: "Declaración del Pueblo de Tejas, November 7, 1835", 2019 -
Texas Declaration of Independence
This declaration took a much stronger stand than the one signed on November 13 as it clearly indicated that reconciliation was no longer a possibility. The declaration declared Texan independence from Mexico and cited failure of the Mexican government as the cause of it. It was signed by delegates at the Convention of 1836 ("Texas Declaration of Independence, March 2, 1836", 2019). Image Credit: "Texas Declaration of Independence, March 2, 1836", 2019 -
Battle of the Alamo
Texan soldiers at the Alamo were kept under siege by troops led by Santa Anna for 13 days. On the second day of the siege Travis sent a letter requesting aid. In it he stated that unless help arrived, the Texan forces would be defeated but that even so they men would die fighting. No aid arrived. On March 6, the fort was stormed and the soldiers did indeed die fighting. ("William Barret Travis's Letter from the Alamo, February 24, 1836", 2019) Image Credit: “The Alamo,” n.d. -
Battle of San Jacinto
In the Battle of San Jacinto Houston led Texan forces to attack the Mexican forces near the San Jacinto River. It was a quick and decisive victory for Texan independence in which Santa Anna was taken captive.In a note Houston wrote two days prior to the Battle he states that the attack "the only chance of saving Texas" ("Sam Houston's Notes Before San Jacinto, April 19, 1836", 2019). -
The Treaty of Velasco
Following his defeat at San Jacinto, Santa Anna was taken captive and made to sign the The Treaty of Velasco. The treaty stated that the war was over recognized Texan independence. It also stated the conditions under which the Mexican forces would retreat to Mexico and prisoners freed ("The Public Treaty of Velasco", 2019). -
Houston Elected First President
A military hero from the war, Houston "had won undying fame at San Jacinto" making him a clear candidate for presidency. As president he acted cautiously in dealing with Mexico, sought peace with the Indians, and sought annexation to the United States. (Campbell, 2003, p. 161-162) Image credit: McClees, Earle, and Vannerson, n.d. -
Lamar Elected President
Mirabeau B. Lamar succeed Sam Houston and became the second president of Texas. As president Lamar enacted policies that were aggressive towards Indians and Mexico, led to an increase in debt and devaluing of the currency, and discouraged annexation to the United States instead prioritizing recognition as an independent nation. (Campbell, 2003, p. 169-173) -
Houston Elected for Second Term
After not being able to run for president because of a Texas law that prohibited consecutive terms, Houston was once again elected President. His goals as president were to make peace with the Indians, enact passive policies towards Mexico, seek to be annexed into the United States, and decrease the overall debt of the government. (Campbell, 2003, p. 176)
