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Sam Houston Santa Anna 1836
Sam HoustonSanta Anna
1836
Role of Sam Houston
Texas was now a republic – a free country – no longer part of Mexico
Without a victory over Santa Anna, the actions of the Convention meant nothing
The focus shifted to Texas army leader, Sam Houston
The success of the revolution relied on this one man
Houston’s Early LifeBorn in Virginia on March 2, 1793
Moved to Tennessee at 13 when his father died
Little schooling but loved to read
Left home at 16 to live with the Cherokee Indians who nicknamed him the “Raven”
Joined army at 20 to fight in War of 1812 and became Andrew Jackson’s protégé
Became adjutant general of Tennessee militia
Houston’s Early Life
Houston studied law and politics
Served twice in Tennessee Congress and one term as Governor before resigning
Lived with Cherokee Indians for 3 years before moving to Texas in 1833
In 1835, he was selected as the major general of the Texas army
Houston’s Leadership
Houston was 6’3”, 240 lbs; stood out in a crowd
Determined to succeed
Had a strong sense of right and wrong
Not afraid to make hard choices or take a stand
He focused the Convention on forming a government for Texas
His tactical retreat grew criticism but he was patient and waited for the right time to strike
Sam Houston Santa Anna
The Role of Santa AnnaTexans pinned their hopes on one man and their fears on another…..Santa Anna
Ordered soldiers to burn buildings, farms and towns in their path
Wanted to drive the Anglo settlers out of Texas
By mid-April 1836, Santa Anna was in position to crush the revolution
He believed Houston was beaten and driving his army to safety
Santa Anna’s Early Life
Born in Veracruz on February 21, 1794
Spent little time in school as a youth
Late teens were spent living with Indians
At 16, joined cadets of the Spanish Royal Army
Learned harsh military tactics from Spanish General Arredondo
Moved through the ranks of the Mexican army
Became governor of Veracruz
Santa Anna’s Early Life
Santa Anna defeated Spanish army that tried to regain control of Mexico in 1829 – became hero
In 1832, he led rebellion and became president
He changed sides and set himself up as a dictator
Many groups in Mexico resented his grab for power
He defeated any rebels and punished them
Santa Anna’s LeadershipSanta Anna showed no fear as a soldier
He had great drive and ability
He acted in his own self-interest
Turned against his own government several times
Ousted the government that put him in office
Valued personal gain over loyalty
Held the office of President of Mexico 11 times (22 total years in office; 1833-1855)
Santa Anna’s LeadershipTreated his enemies mercilessly
Attacked the Alamo for his own selfish reasons
Wanted to pay the Texans back for defeating his brother-in-law Cos at San Antonio siege
He could have starved out the defenders of the Alamo but instead led a furious assault
Executions at Goliad Massacre showed what would happen to those who opposed him
Santa Anna’s Action
Santa Anna’s actions at the Alamo and Goliad gave Texans new reasons to fight
He split his army into 5 columns and marched through Texas burning towns
In his quest to create panic, he lost sight of his main goal…..to destroy Houston’s army
This mistake gave Houston more time to train his forces
Sam Houston Santa Anna
Similarities and Differences
Sam Houston Santa Anna
Similarities and Differences
Brave/Courageous
Fearless
Sam Houston Santa Anna
Similarities and Differences
Brave/Courageous
Fearless
Determined tosucceed
Great drive and ability
Sam Houston Santa Anna
Similarities and Differences
Brave/Courageous
Fearless
Determined tosucceed
Great drive and ability
Lived withCherokees
Lived withIndians
Sam Houston Santa Anna
Similarities and Differences
Brave/courageous
Fearless
Determined tosucceed
Great drive and ability
Lived withCherokees
Lived withIndians
Joined Armyat 20
Joined Armyat 16
Sam Houston Santa Anna
Similarities and Differences
Brave/courageous
Fearless
Determined tosucceed
Great drive and ability
Lived withCherokees
Lived withIndians
Joined Armyat 20
Joined Armyat 16
The “Raven” The “Eagle”
Sam Houston Santa Anna
Similarities and Differences
Brave/courageous
Fearless
Determined tosucceed
Great drive and ability
Lived withCherokees
Lived withIndians
Joined Armyat 20
Joined Armyat 16
The “Raven” The “Eagle”
Governors
Sam Houston Santa Anna
Similarities and Differences
Brave/courageous
Fearless
Determined tosucceed
Great drive and ability
Lived withCherokees
Lived withIndians
Joined Armyat 20
Joined Armyat 16
The “Raven” The “Eagle”
Governors
Little education
Sam Houston Santa Anna
Similarities and Differences
Brave/courageous
Fearless
Determined tosucceed
Great drive and ability
Lived withCherokees
Lived withIndians
Joined Armyat 20
Joined Armyat 16
The “Raven” The “Eagle”
Governors
Little education
Strong sense of right and wrong
Valued personalgain over loyalty
Sam Houston Santa Anna
Similarities and Differences
Brave/courageous
Fearless
Determined tosucceed
Great drive and ability
Lived withCherokees
Lived withIndians
Joined Armyat 20
Joined Armyat 16
The “Raven” The “Eagle”
Governors
Little education
Strong sense of right and wrong
Valued personalgain over loyalty
Patient Impatient
Sam Houston Santa Anna
Similarities and Differences
Brave/courageous
Fearless
Determined tosucceed
Great drive and ability
Lived withCherokees
Lived withIndians
Joined Armyat 20
Joined Armyat 16
The “Raven” The “Eagle”
Governors
Little education
Strong sense of right and wrong
Valued personalgain over loyalty
Patient Impatient
Cautious Careless
Sam Houston Fun Facts
Sam Houston was married 3 times
He had 8 children with his 3rd wife – 3 boys and 5 girls
3rd wife made him become Baptist before marriage
Died in Huntsville, TX on July 26, 1863 at the age of 70 of pneumonia
Only man to ever be Governor of 2 states
Houston, TX was named for him
Sam Houston Statue (67 ft)
