The Texas Revolution in 3 Minutes

Texas' History as Part of Spain and Mexico

• The region that is now part of the United States was once part of Mexico, which in turn was part of Spain.

• The Aztecs, Toltecs, Mayans, and Olmecs were all native tribes that held control of the region before the arrival of the Spaniards.

"It’s not quite common knowledge that what is now part of the United States, was once part of Mexico, and Mexico, part of Spain."

Texas' Autonomy within Mexico

• In 1821, Mexico gained its independence from Spain and established a federalist system of government.

• Texas was one of the Mexican states and enjoyed a considerable amount of autonomy.

• Mexico implemented a settlement program in Texas to encourage development and integration with more populous regions.

• Foreigners, like American Stephen Austin, were allowed to purchase land in Texas under certain conditions.

"Because of its tiny population and distance from Mexico City, Mexico’s government started a settlement program in the hopes that Texas would become more developed and be able to integrate with the more populous regions of Mexico."

Stephen Austin and the Settlement of Texas

• Stephen Austin, an American from Virginia, accepted the land deal and brought over 10,000 white Americans to settle in Texas.

• These settlers lived alongside the Mexican Tejano population, who numbered around 4,000.

"By 1830, Austin was able to bring over 10,000 white Americans who came to Texas and lived alongside the Mexican Tejano population of 4,000."

Tensions and Centralization of Power in Mexico

• In 1833, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna became president of Mexico and started centralizing power in Mexico City.

• The federal system weakened, and states like Texas lost their autonomy.

• Stephen Austin protested in Mexico City but was imprisoned.

"Because of this, Austin went to the capital in protest, requesting that Texas get its autonomy back. Unfortunately for Austin, he was jailed."

The Texas Rebellion

• After Austin's release, serious rebellion erupted in Texas, pushing Mexican soldiers back to Mexico City.

• Santa Anna took command of the army and moved to suppress the rebellion.

• In 1836, Texas declared independence from Mexico.

"By February, 1836, his troops had passed the Nueces River, which was the traditional border of Texas and made his way to the Alamo in San Antonio where the Texan Rebels were holed up."

Diversity Among Texan Rebels

• Most of the rebels at the Alamo were not Texas-born.

• Out of 180 rebel soldiers, only 29 were Texans, 28 Europeans, and the remainder were Americans.

"In fact, of the 180 rebel soldiers, only 29 were Texas, 28 were European, and the remainders were Americans."

Texas' Independence and Annexation by the U.S.

• In 1836, Texas became independent from Mexico.

• After several years and a war with Mexico, the United States annexed Texas.

"However, in several years, after war with Mexico, the U.S. would claim Texas for its own."