LET’S DO BATTLE!LET’S DO BATTLE!

Events and Battles of the Events and Battles of the

Texas RevolutionTexas Revolution

LET’S DO BATTLE!LET’S DO BATTLE!

PART ONEPART ONE

Tensions on the RiseTensions on the Rise

By 1830, American settlers By 1830, American settlers outnumbered those of Spanish or outnumbered those of Spanish or Mexican origin. The Mexican Mexican origin. The Mexican government feared American settlers government feared American settlers would try to make Texas part of the would try to make Texas part of the United States. In 1835, Mexico sent United States. In 1835, Mexico sent troops to keep control over the Texans. troops to keep control over the Texans. Fighting quickly broke out between Fighting quickly broke out between Texans and the Mexican troops. Texans and the Mexican troops.

Anahuac IIAnahuac II

Once in power Once in power Santa AnnaSanta Anna dismissed the dismissed the Mexican Congress. Mexican Congress.

He had a new constitution written that He had a new constitution written that placed the power in his hands.placed the power in his hands.

Santa Anna sent his brother-in-law, Santa Anna sent his brother-in-law, General Martin Perfecto de Cos, into Texas General Martin Perfecto de Cos, into Texas to enforce his laws. to enforce his laws.

Cos sent Captain Antonio Tenorio to Cos sent Captain Antonio Tenorio to Anahuac to resume collection of customs Anahuac to resume collection of customs duties(taxes)duties(taxes)

Anahuac II Anahuac II ContinuedContinued

Some Texans were arrested for refusal Some Texans were arrested for refusal to pay taxesto pay taxes

Others were concerned that their Others were concerned that their rights were being violatedrights were being violated

William B. Travis and about 25 men William B. Travis and about 25 men went to Anahuac to try to expel went to Anahuac to try to expel Tenorio Tenorio

Tenorio and his men surrendered Tenorio and his men surrendered quickly and left Texasquickly and left Texas

War and Peace PartiesWar and Peace Parties

Texans had to decide whether to Texans had to decide whether to support Santa Anna and his centralist support Santa Anna and his centralist governmentgovernment

One party, the “war party” decided One party, the “war party” decided that armed resistance and complete that armed resistance and complete independence should be the goal for independence should be the goal for TexasTexas

The other party was the “peace party” The other party was the “peace party” who favored a wait-and-see approachwho favored a wait-and-see approach

Centralist ReactionCentralist Reaction

General CosGeneral Cos demanded Travis’s arrest for his demanded Travis’s arrest for his involvement in ousting Tenorio, but Texans involvement in ousting Tenorio, but Texans refused to allow him to be arrestedrefused to allow him to be arrested

At this time Stephen F. Austin returned from At this time Stephen F. Austin returned from Mexico and colonists looked to him for adviceMexico and colonists looked to him for advice

During his time in jail Austin realized that the During his time in jail Austin realized that the differences between the Mexican government differences between the Mexican government and the Texans could not be settled and the Texans could not be settled peacefully and urged Texans to take actionpeacefully and urged Texans to take action

Centralist Reaction Centralist Reaction ContinuedContinued

Cos and his army moved to San Antonio Cos and his army moved to San Antonio prepared to enforce the arrest of Travisprepared to enforce the arrest of Travis

On the way he was reminded the Texans On the way he was reminded the Texans still had possession of a 6 lb cannon that still had possession of a 6 lb cannon that had been provided to an empresario by had been provided to an empresario by the Mexican government for defense the Mexican government for defense against Native Americansagainst Native Americans

An army was sent to seize the cannonAn army was sent to seize the cannon

BattleBattle of Gonzales of Gonzales

San Jacinto Museum of History © 2003

Battle of GonzalesBattle of GonzalesOctober 2, 1835October 2, 1835

Differences between Texas and Mexico escalated Differences between Texas and Mexico escalated at The Battle of Gonzalesat The Battle of Gonzales

Considered the first battle of the Texas Considered the first battle of the Texas Revolution. Revolution.

Leading up to the conflict, the Mexican authorities Leading up to the conflict, the Mexican authorities sent a force of about 100 men to repossess a sent a force of about 100 men to repossess a cannon that had been provided the residents of cannon that had been provided the residents of Gonzales for defense against Indians. Gonzales for defense against Indians.

In response to the Mexican force, the Texans, In response to the Mexican force, the Texans, under Colonels John H. Moore and J. W. E. under Colonels John H. Moore and J. W. E. Wallace, loaded the cannon with scrap iron, Wallace, loaded the cannon with scrap iron, aimed at the Mexicans, and fired the shot that aimed at the Mexicans, and fired the shot that began the revolution. began the revolution.

Battle of Gonzales Continued

After a short fight, the Mexicans After a short fight, the Mexicans retreated, with one casualty, against retreated, with one casualty, against no losses on the side of the Texans. no losses on the side of the Texans.

The flag used by the Texans at the The flag used by the Texans at the Battle of Gonzales gained recognition Battle of Gonzales gained recognition as the "Come and Take It" flag. as the "Come and Take It" flag.

Goliad CampaignGoliad Campaign

Goliad Campaign Goliad Campaign October 9, 1835October 9, 1835

The town of Goliad held a strategic The town of Goliad held a strategic position at the time of the Texas position at the time of the Texas Revolution. Revolution.

It was located some 50 miles up the San It was located some 50 miles up the San Antonio River on a key route between San Antonio River on a key route between San Antonio and the port of Copano on the Gulf Antonio and the port of Copano on the Gulf coast. coast.

Any Mexican naval supply line to San Any Mexican naval supply line to San Antonio passed by the town. Antonio passed by the town.

Goliad was also the site of a well fortified Goliad was also the site of a well fortified Spanish presidio elevated above the banks Spanish presidio elevated above the banks of the river. of the river.

Goliad Campaign Goliad Campaign ContinuedContinued

In a plan to reinforce Mexican forces at In a plan to reinforce Mexican forces at Goliad and San Antonio, Mexican General Goliad and San Antonio, Mexican General Martin Perfecto de Cos landed at Copano Martin Perfecto de Cos landed at Copano and occupied Goliad on October 2, 1835 and occupied Goliad on October 2, 1835 with over 400 soldiers.with over 400 soldiers.

By October 5, however, Cos took most of By October 5, however, Cos took most of his men and departed for San Antonio. his men and departed for San Antonio.

A small residual force of some 30 men A small residual force of some 30 men remained at Goliad to hold the presidio remained at Goliad to hold the presidio and the supplies it contained.and the supplies it contained.

Goliad Campaign Goliad Campaign ContinuedContinued

Meanwhile, a force of some 50 Texas volunteers Meanwhile, a force of some 50 Texas volunteers under George Collingsworth determined to take under George Collingsworth determined to take the Goliad presidio. the Goliad presidio.

Marching from nearby Victoria, they were joined Marching from nearby Victoria, they were joined by Ben Milam just prior to the attack in the late by Ben Milam just prior to the attack in the late evening of October 9. evening of October 9.

The Texans entered the presidio by forcing The Texans entered the presidio by forcing through the doors of the adjoining church, and through the doors of the adjoining church, and overtook the Mexican defenders in the matter of overtook the Mexican defenders in the matter of a few minutes. Casualties were light on both a few minutes. Casualties were light on both sides. sides.

In taking Goliad, the Texans not only gained the In taking Goliad, the Texans not only gained the strategic presidio, but also captured much strategic presidio, but also captured much needed supplies. needed supplies.

LET’S DO BATTLE!LET’S DO BATTLE!

PART TWOPART TWO

The Consultation The Consultation of 1835of 1835

On November 4, 1835 delegates gathered On November 4, 1835 delegates gathered in San Felipe to decide what action the in San Felipe to decide what action the Texans should take nextTexans should take next

The Consultation decided against an The Consultation decided against an immediate declaration of independenceimmediate declaration of independence

They adopted the “Declaration of the They adopted the “Declaration of the People in Texas in General Convention People in Texas in General Convention Assembled” which stated that:Assembled” which stated that:– they continued to be loyal to Mexico they continued to be loyal to Mexico – fought only to protect themselvesfought only to protect themselves– stand up for the Constitution of 1824stand up for the Constitution of 1824

Consultation of Consultation of 1835 Continued1835 Continued

Set up a provisional governmentSet up a provisional government Agreed to meet again on March 1, Agreed to meet again on March 1,

1836 to make a decision about 1836 to make a decision about Texas’ independenceTexas’ independence

Siege of BexarSiege of Bexar

Siege of BexarSiege of BexarDecember 1835December 1835

In December of 1835, San Antonio de Bexar was In December of 1835, San Antonio de Bexar was under the control of Mexican General Perfecto de under the control of Mexican General Perfecto de Cos with about 1200 soldiers from Mexico. Cos with about 1200 soldiers from Mexico.

For almost two months, Texas volunteers had For almost two months, Texas volunteers had camped near the town in a virtual standoff with Cos. camped near the town in a virtual standoff with Cos.

The stalemate ended, however, when one of the The stalemate ended, however, when one of the Texas leaders, Ben Milam, returned from a brief Texas leaders, Ben Milam, returned from a brief absence to find that the Texans were about to absence to find that the Texans were about to withdraw to Goliad. withdraw to Goliad.

Voicing strong opposition to the retreat, Milam Voicing strong opposition to the retreat, Milam appealed to the Texans with his now-famous words, appealed to the Texans with his now-famous words, "Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?" "Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?" Some 300 volunteers responded. Some 300 volunteers responded.

Siege of BexarSiege of BexarContinuedContinued

Starting before daybreak on December 5, the Starting before daybreak on December 5, the Texans, led by Milam and Frank W. Johnson, Texans, led by Milam and Frank W. Johnson, began their siege. began their siege.

Against heavy odds in both men and artillery, Against heavy odds in both men and artillery, the Texans skirmished for the next two days. the Texans skirmished for the next two days.

On December 7, Milam was shot and killed. On December 7, Milam was shot and killed. The death of their leader seemed to inspire The death of their leader seemed to inspire

the Texans as they engaged in house-to-the Texans as they engaged in house-to-house combat that continued for two more house combat that continued for two more days. days.

Siege of BexarSiege of BexarContinuedContinued

At daybreak on December 9, after four days of At daybreak on December 9, after four days of fighting, Cos signaled a Mexican truce. fighting, Cos signaled a Mexican truce.

In exchange for the parole and return of Cos and In exchange for the parole and return of Cos and his men to Mexico, the Texans gained all of the his men to Mexico, the Texans gained all of the public property, guns and ammunition in San public property, guns and ammunition in San Antonio. Antonio.

During the siege, the Texans lost only four men During the siege, the Texans lost only four men (including Milam) and fifteen wounded. (including Milam) and fifteen wounded.

They gained, however, one of the most important They gained, however, one of the most important strongholds in Texas. strongholds in Texas.

Within a few months, the Mexicans would return Within a few months, the Mexicans would return to retake the town during the bloody Siege and to retake the town during the bloody Siege and Battle of the Alamo Battle of the Alamo

Santa Anna FuriousSanta Anna Furious

He passed a law that all foreigners taken He passed a law that all foreigners taken under arms would be treated as pirates and under arms would be treated as pirates and executedexecuted

Even while Cos continued his retreat, Santa Anna started north with a large army.

He felt an urgent need to reestablish Texas under Mexican control.

He also wanted to rid Texas of the Anglo American and Tejano rebels who openly defied his rule.

The Convention The Convention of 1836of 1836

Delegates gathered at Washington-on-the Delegates gathered at Washington-on-the Brazos for the second meeting of the Brazos for the second meeting of the Consultation, also known as the Consultation, also known as the Convention of 1836.Convention of 1836.

The delegates declared Texas independent The delegates declared Texas independent on March 2, 1836.on March 2, 1836.

Within two weeks, they had written a Within two weeks, they had written a constitution.constitution.

George Childress, a former newspaper George Childress, a former newspaper editor, wrote the first draft of the editor, wrote the first draft of the declaration.declaration.

The AlamoThe Alamo

The AlamoThe AlamoMarch 1836March 1836

After losing San Antonio to the Texans After losing San Antonio to the Texans during the Siege of Bexar, Mexican during the Siege of Bexar, Mexican General Santa Anna was determined to General Santa Anna was determined to retake this key location.retake this key location.

At the same time he wanted to impress At the same time he wanted to impress upon the Texans the futility of further upon the Texans the futility of further resistance to Mexican rule. resistance to Mexican rule.

With these goals, the vanguard of Santa With these goals, the vanguard of Santa Anna's army arrived in San Antonio around Anna's army arrived in San Antonio around February 23, 1836. February 23, 1836.

The AlamoThe AlamoContinuedContinued

Some 145 Texans in the area took refuge in the Some 145 Texans in the area took refuge in the fortified grounds of an old mission known as the fortified grounds of an old mission known as the Alamo, under the joint command of William B. Alamo, under the joint command of William B. Travis (for the regular army) and Jim Bowie (for Travis (for the regular army) and Jim Bowie (for the volunteers). the volunteers).

Over the following two weeks, the Mexican forces Over the following two weeks, the Mexican forces continually strengthened to over 2000 troops. continually strengthened to over 2000 troops.

During the same period, a few reinforcements for During the same period, a few reinforcements for the Texans answered Travis' famous Appeal for the Texans answered Travis' famous Appeal for Aid and managed to penetrate enemy lines and Aid and managed to penetrate enemy lines and enter the Alamo grounds, bringing the total enter the Alamo grounds, bringing the total strength of the defenders to about 189 men.strength of the defenders to about 189 men.

The AlamoThe AlamoContinuedContinued

After periodic bombardment, the siege ended on After periodic bombardment, the siege ended on the morning of March 6th when the Mexicans storm the morning of March 6th when the Mexicans storm the Alamo fortress. the Alamo fortress.

During the battle, all of the Texan defenders were During the battle, all of the Texan defenders were killed. killed.

Several non-combatants were spared, including Several non-combatants were spared, including Susanna Dickenson, the wife of one of the Susanna Dickenson, the wife of one of the defenders, Susanna's baby, and a servant of Travis. defenders, Susanna's baby, and a servant of Travis.

Partly to reinforce his goal of terrorizing colonists in Partly to reinforce his goal of terrorizing colonists in Texas, Santa Anna released this small party to Texas, Santa Anna released this small party to inform Texans of the fate of the defenders. inform Texans of the fate of the defenders.

Losses in the battle have been placed at 189 Losses in the battle have been placed at 189 Texans against about 1600 for the Mexicans.Texans against about 1600 for the Mexicans.

LET’S DO BATTLE!LET’S DO BATTLE!

PART THREEPART THREE

Texas InvasionTexas Invasion As part of the Mexican invasion of Texas in As part of the Mexican invasion of Texas in

early 1836, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna early 1836, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his main force of at least 5000 men and his main force of at least 5000 men followed an inland route toward San Antonio. followed an inland route toward San Antonio.

At the same time, Mexican General Jose At the same time, Mexican General Jose Urrea with some 900 troops, left Matamoros Urrea with some 900 troops, left Matamoros and followed a coastal route into Texas. and followed a coastal route into Texas.

The first town approached by Urrea was San The first town approached by Urrea was San Patricio, where on February 27 he Patricio, where on February 27 he encountered Frank Johnson and about 50 encountered Frank Johnson and about 50 Texans. Texans.

Johnson and four of his men escaped, but Johnson and four of his men escaped, but the rest were either killed or captured. the rest were either killed or captured.

Texas InvasionTexas InvasionContinuedContinued

A few days later, the Mexicans also fell upon A few days later, the Mexicans also fell upon James Grant and another 50 men, and all but one James Grant and another 50 men, and all but one of the Texans were killed. of the Texans were killed.

Citizens of Refugio, the next town in Urrea's path, Citizens of Refugio, the next town in Urrea's path, were slow to evacuate. were slow to evacuate.

To provide assistance, James W. Fannin, To provide assistance, James W. Fannin, commander of forces at Goliad, sent two relief commander of forces at Goliad, sent two relief forces. forces.

The first of these groups numbered about 30 men The first of these groups numbered about 30 men under Aaron King, followed by a larger group of under Aaron King, followed by a larger group of some 150 men under William Ward. some 150 men under William Ward.

Like Johnson's force, both of these groups were Like Johnson's force, both of these groups were eventually killed or captured by the Mexicans. eventually killed or captured by the Mexicans.

Goliad MassacreGoliad Massacre

Goliad Massacre Goliad Massacre March 1836March 1836

Meanwhile back in Goliad, Meanwhile back in Goliad, James FanninJames Fannin and his and his remaining force of about 350 were called on to remaining force of about 350 were called on to aid William B. Travis and the Alamo defenders. aid William B. Travis and the Alamo defenders.

Afterwards, he was also ordered by Sam Afterwards, he was also ordered by Sam Houston to retreatHouston to retreat

Due to indecision and carelessness by Fannin, Due to indecision and carelessness by Fannin, he failed to accomplish either of these missions. he failed to accomplish either of these missions.

After a delay of about five days following After a delay of about five days following Houston's order, Fannin finally began his Houston's order, Fannin finally began his retreat.retreat.

Goliad Massacre Goliad Massacre ContinuedContinued

It was not long before the Texans found It was not long before the Texans found themselves surrounded on open prairie. themselves surrounded on open prairie.

Several attacks by Urrea resulted each Several attacks by Urrea resulted each time in the Mexicans being repulsed by time in the Mexicans being repulsed by the deadly fire of the Texans. the deadly fire of the Texans.

By dusk, the Texans had lost about sixty By dusk, the Texans had lost about sixty men killed or wounded against some 200 men killed or wounded against some 200 of the Mexicans. of the Mexicans.

Still heavily outnumbered and with no Still heavily outnumbered and with no water and few supplies, the Texans waved water and few supplies, the Texans waved the white flag of truce the following the white flag of truce the following morning. morning.

Goliad Massacre Goliad Massacre ContinuedContinued

Believing that they would be taken captive Believing that they would be taken captive and eventually returned to their homes, the and eventually returned to their homes, the Texans surrendered the morning of March Texans surrendered the morning of March 20. 20.

They were escorted back to Goliad as They were escorted back to Goliad as prisoners. prisoners.

When news of their capture reached Santa When news of their capture reached Santa Anna, however, he was furious that the Anna, however, he was furious that the Texans had not been executed on the spot. Texans had not been executed on the spot.

Citing a recently passed law that all Citing a recently passed law that all foreigners taken under arms would be foreigners taken under arms would be treated as pirates and executed, Santa Anna treated as pirates and executed, Santa Anna sent orders to execute the Goliad prisoners. sent orders to execute the Goliad prisoners.

Goliad Massacre Goliad Massacre ContinuedContinued

On Palm Sunday, the 27th of March, the On Palm Sunday, the 27th of March, the prisoners were divided into three groups, prisoners were divided into three groups, marched onto open prairie, and shot. marched onto open prairie, and shot.

Thus, all of Fannin's command except a few Thus, all of Fannin's command except a few that managed to escape and several that managed to escape and several physicians and others deemed useful by the physicians and others deemed useful by the Mexicans, were massacred, collected into Mexicans, were massacred, collected into piles, and burned. piles, and burned.

Like the defenders at the Battle of the Alamo Like the defenders at the Battle of the Alamo who died only three weeks earlier, the men of who died only three weeks earlier, the men of Goliad served as martyrs for the remaining Goliad served as martyrs for the remaining forces in Houston's army. forces in Houston's army.

San JacintoSan Jacinto

Battle of San JacintoBattle of San JacintoApril 21, 1836April 21, 1836

Sam Houston and the meager army Sam Houston and the meager army of Texans retreated eastward of Texans retreated eastward following the fall of the Alamo in the following the fall of the Alamo in the spring of 1836. spring of 1836.

The troops were becoming The troops were becoming increasingly impatient by the time increasingly impatient by the time they reached Buffalo Bayou, a few they reached Buffalo Bayou, a few miles southeast of present day miles southeast of present day Houston. Houston.

Battle of San JacintoBattle of San JacintoContinuedContinued

On the morning of the April 19, the Texans On the morning of the April 19, the Texans crossed over and marched down the right crossed over and marched down the right bank of Buffalo Bayou to within half a mile bank of Buffalo Bayou to within half a mile of its confluence with the San Jacinto of its confluence with the San Jacinto River. River.

Here, the army prepared their defenses on Here, the army prepared their defenses on the edge of a grove of trees. the edge of a grove of trees.

Their rear was protected by timber and the Their rear was protected by timber and the bayou, while before them was an open bayou, while before them was an open prairie. prairie.

Battle of San JacintoBattle of San JacintoContinuedContinued

On the following morning, Mexican General On the following morning, Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna came marching Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna came marching across the prairie in battle array. across the prairie in battle array.

A volley from the Texan's "Twin Sisters" A volley from the Texan's "Twin Sisters" artillery brought him to a sudden halt. artillery brought him to a sudden halt.

Falling back to a clump of trees a quarter of a Falling back to a clump of trees a quarter of a mile distant, Santa Anna formed in line of mile distant, Santa Anna formed in line of battle. battle.

Colonel Sidney Sherman, at the head of the Colonel Sidney Sherman, at the head of the Texas cavalry, charged the Mexican army, Texas cavalry, charged the Mexican army, but accomplished little except to inspire the but accomplished little except to inspire the Texans with fresh enthusiasm for the Texans with fresh enthusiasm for the following day. following day.

Battle of San JacintoBattle of San JacintoContinuedContinued

The 21st of April dawned bright and The 21st of April dawned bright and beautiful. The main forces of the Texas beautiful. The main forces of the Texas army were there, totaling about 750 men. army were there, totaling about 750 men.

They faced over 1500 of the enemy, They faced over 1500 of the enemy, secure and flushed with pride at the secure and flushed with pride at the offense they had enjoyed for the previous offense they had enjoyed for the previous few weeks against the Texans. few weeks against the Texans.

Early in the morning, Houston sent Deaf Early in the morning, Houston sent Deaf Smith, the celebrated Texas spy, with two Smith, the celebrated Texas spy, with two or three men, to destroy Vince's bridge or three men, to destroy Vince's bridge over which the Mexican army had passed, over which the Mexican army had passed, thus cutting off their only available escapethus cutting off their only available escape

Battle of San JacintoBattle of San JacintoContinuedContinued

When Houston's long awaited order to When Houston's long awaited order to advance was given, the Texans did not advance was given, the Texans did not hesitate. hesitate.

When within seventy yards the word "fire" When within seventy yards the word "fire" was given, the Texan shouts of was given, the Texan shouts of "Remember the Alamo" and "Remember "Remember the Alamo" and "Remember Goliad" rang along the entire line. Goliad" rang along the entire line.

Within a short time, 700 Mexicans were Within a short time, 700 Mexicans were slain, with another 730 taken as prisoners. slain, with another 730 taken as prisoners. The battle for Texas was won. The battle for Texas was won.

Texas WINS!!!!!Texas WINS!!!!!

Treaties of VelascoTreaties of Velasco The new government moved to Velasco after the Battle of The new government moved to Velasco after the Battle of

San Jacinto. San Jacinto. After Santa Anna’s capture, he was brought to the injured After Santa Anna’s capture, he was brought to the injured

Sam Houston, who had to be taken to New Orleans for Sam Houston, who had to be taken to New Orleans for treatment.treatment.

In his absence, Burnet negotiated two treaties with Santa In his absence, Burnet negotiated two treaties with Santa Anna, one public, one secret.Anna, one public, one secret.

In the first public treaty, Santa Anna agreed to never fight In the first public treaty, Santa Anna agreed to never fight against Texas again and withdraw all Mexican troops from against Texas again and withdraw all Mexican troops from Texas. Texas.

In the second secret treaty, Santa Anna agreed to work for In the second secret treaty, Santa Anna agreed to work for Mexico to recognize Texas’s independence and establish a Mexico to recognize Texas’s independence and establish a new boundary at the Rio Grande River. new boundary at the Rio Grande River.

In return for signing the treaties, Santa Anna was to be In return for signing the treaties, Santa Anna was to be released without harm. This proved difficult, since so many released without harm. This proved difficult, since so many Texans wanted him executed for what he had done at the Texans wanted him executed for what he had done at the Alamo and Goliad.Alamo and Goliad.