Today in class, we learned briefly about Texas's independence from Mexico, and the Mexican War that ensued. I decided to learn a bit more about the fight for independence that occurred in the Texas Revolution.
The Revolution was actually a part of a larger series of uprisings that occurred against the Mexican President, António Lopez de Santa Anna. However, what set Texas apart from the other revolting provinces was the Mexican government's belief that it was receiving support and a promise for annexation from the United States. It was also the only region to have a successful revolt, with the rest of the provinces getting defeated by the Mexican forces. The goal of the war was widely debated, some believing that complete independence was the desired result, and others hoping to return to the Mexico Constitution of 1824, which made Mexico's government less centralized.
The revolution began with small battles fought between several Mexican garrisons and the emerging Texan army during late 1835. In 1836, enough support had been rallied for Texan independence that a political convention officially declared it to be the new Republic of Texas. Santa Anna sent new troops to Texas in retaliation, and was quickly met with momentary victory. The troops defeated all uprisings along the coast of Texas, and executed most of the soldiers that surrendered. This march up the coast eventually culminated in the Battle of the Alamo, which was a major Mexican victory, with the 1,800 Mexican soldiers defeated the 200 Texans in a 13-day siege.
However, despite being a victory in numbers for the Mexican forces, it inspired many Texans and citizens of the United States to rally behind Texan independence in protest of Santa Anna's violence and cruelty. The new Texan army was led by a man named Sam Houston, and focused its strengths on becoming a mobile, militarily capable force. He led his newly strengthened troops against Santa Anna's forces in the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. The 18-minute fight resulted in the capture of Santa Anna, who agreed to sign a peace treaty and lobby for Mexico's independence in Mexico City after being held captive for three weeks.
Despite that battle being the decisive end to the Texas Revolution, conflict was still present between Texas and Mexico during the first half of the 1840s. The United States' annexation of Texas in 1845 was the last straw for Mexicans, and started the Mexican-American War that we learned about in class.
Overall, I really enjoyed learning about this revolution. It was really interesting to see how the Texan army, which numbered 2,000, was able to defeat the Mexican army of around 6,500, because it show the importance of tactics and strategy over numbers, a topic I find very interesting. I also find it interesting that Santa Anna's cruelty was essentially his downfall, as it caused the Texan Revolution to gain support and numbers. This really shows how war isn't just a matter of winning the battles themselves, but is also about winning the support of the public.
I really enjoyed reading your summary of the Texan independence. It made me very curious about the independent Texas that lasted from 1835 to 1845. What was their constitution like? Did they have any major political leaders? How does ten years of independence effect Texas today.
ReplyDeleteP.S you made a type, the independence was 1845 not 1946 :)
This is a really interesting post and I can tell you researched quite a bit about this revolution. Your narrative style really helps me understand the events and reasoning for starting and fighting for this revolution all the way through. An eighteen minute battle seems very interesting and I'd love to learn more about it.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you were very thorough in your response and research of the Texan Independence. You went further than what we discussed in class and it helped illustrate a broader perspective. All of your details are very key and really enhances your writing.
ReplyDeleteI thought that your article was really interesting and informative. I think that it dispels the belief that the Alamo was some great Texan victory and helps to change me look at the revolution from a more historical and realistic viewpoint. I had no idea that Texas actually raised an army rather then just a militia.
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