The Texas Revolution (October 2, 1835 - April 21, 1836) was a colonist uprising of the United States and Tejanos (Texas Mexicans) in establishing armed resistance to Mexico's central government. While the uprising is part of a larger one that belongs to another province that opposes President Antonio LÃÆ'³pez de Santa Anna's regime, the Mexican government believes the United States has incited the Texas uprising with the aim of annexation. The Mexican Congress endorsed the Tornel Decree, stating that any foreigner who fought against Mexican troops "would be considered a pirate and dealt with thus, becoming a citizen no country is currently at war with the Republic and fought under an unrecognized banner." Only the province of Texas succeeded in breaking ties with Mexico, establishing the Republic of Texas, and finally annexed by the United States.
The revolution began in October 1835, after a decade of political and cultural clashes between the Mexican government and the growing population of American settlers in Texas. The Mexican government has become increasingly centralized and the rights of its citizens are increasingly restricted, especially with regard to immigration from the United States. The Colonists and the Tejanos disagreed whether the ultimate goal was independence or return to the Mexican Constitution of 1824. While delegates at the Consultation (interim administration) debated the motive of war, the Texans and the flood of volunteers from the United States defeated the small garrison of the Mexican Army in mid-December 1835. declared independence and installed an interim government, whose struggles led to political paralysis and lack of effective governance in Texas. Bad proposals to attack Matamoros suck up much-needed volunteers and supplies from the young Tex Army. In March 1836, the second political convention declared independence and elevated leadership to the new Republic of Texas.
Determined to avenge Mexico's honor, Santa Anna vowed to recapture Texas personally. His Operation troops entered Texas in mid-February 1836 and found the Texans completely unprepared. Mexican General José de Urrea led a contingent of troops at the Goliad Campaign on the Texas coast, defeating all the Texans in his path and executing most of those who surrendered. Santa Anna leads a larger army to San Antonio de BÃ © Ã… © xar (or BÃÆ' Ã… © xar), where his troops defeat the Texas garrison at the Battle of the Alamo, killing almost all human rights defenders.
The newly formed Texas forces under Sam Houston's command continued to move, while frightened civilians fled with soldiers, at close range known as Runaway Scrape. On March 31, Houston stopped his troops at Groce's Landing on the Brazos River, and over the next two weeks, the Texans received strict military training. Being satisfied and dismissive of the strength of his enemies, Santa Anna further divides his troops. On April 21, Houston troops launched a surprise attack on Santa Anna and the vanguard forces at the Battle of San Jacinto. Mexican troops were quickly attacked, and the vengeful Texans executed many who tried to surrender. Santa Anna was taken hostage; in exchange for his life, he ordered the Mexican army to retreat south of the Rio Grande. Mexico refused to recognize the Republic of Texas, and the intermittent conflict between the two countries continued into the 1840s. The annexation of Texas as the 28th state of the United States, in 1845, led directly to the Mexican-American War.
Video Texas Revolution
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After a failed attempt by the French to colonize Texas at the end of the 17th century, Spain developed a plan to complete the area. On the south bank, along the Medina River and the Nueces River, the Spanish Texas is limited by Coahuila province. To the east, Texas is bordered by Louisiana. After the purchase of Louisiana in 1803, the United States also claimed land west of the Sabine River, all the way to the Rio Grande. From 1812 to 1813 the anti-Spanish republicans and American philosophers rebelled against the Spanish Empire in what is known today as the Gutià © rrez-Magee Expedition during the Mexican War of Independence. They won the battle early and captured many Texas cities from Spain that led to the declaration of independence of the state of Texas as part of the Mexican Republic on April 17, 1813. The new Texas government and army met with their destruction in the Battle of Medina in August 1813, 20 miles south San Antonio, where 1,300 of the 1,400 rebel soldiers were killed in combat or executed shortly thereafter by the royal army. It was the single deadliest single battle in Texas history. 300 republican government officials in San Antonio were arrested and executed by Spanish royalists shortly after the battle. What is significant is a Spanish royalist lieutenant named Antonio LÃÆ'³pez de Santa Anna fighting in this battle and following his superior's orders not to take prisoners. Another interesting note is the two founders of the Republic of Texas and the future signatories of the Declaration of Independence of Texas in 1836, JosÃÆ' © Antonio Navarro and JosÃÆ' © Francisco Ruiz, taking part in the GutiÃÆ' © rrez-Magee Expedition. Although the United States officially relinquished that claim as part of the Continent Agreement with Spain in 1819, many Americans continue to believe that Texas should belong to their nation, and over the next decade the United States made several offers to buy the territory.
After the Mexican War of Independence, Texas became part of Mexico. Under the Constitution of 1824, which defines the state as a federal republic, the provinces of Texas and Coahuila are combined to become the state of Coahuila y Tejas. Texas was given only one seat in the state legislature, which met at Saltillo, hundreds of miles away. After months of grumbling by Tejanos (Mexican-born Texans) angry at the loss of their political autonomy, state officials agreed to make Texas into a new state department, with the de facto capital in San Antonio de BÃÆ'Ã… © xar.
Texas is very sparsely populated, with less than 3,500 inhabitants, and only about 200 soldiers, making it particularly vulnerable to attacks by indigenous tribes and American filibrators. In the hope that the entry of settlers could control Indian attacks, the bankrupt Mexican government liberalizes the immigration policy for the region. Finally able to settle legally in Texas, Anglo from the United States is soon much more than Tejanos . Most of the immigrants are from the southern United States. Many slave-owners, and most bring significant prejudices against other races, attitudes often applied to Tejanos . Mexico's official religion is Roman Catholic, but the majority of immigrants are Protestants who do not believe in Catholics.
Mexican authorities are becoming increasingly concerned about the stability of the region. The colonies swayed on the edge of rebellion in 1829, after Mexico abolished slavery. In response, President Anastasio Bustamante applied the Law of 6 April 1830, which, inter alia, prohibited further immigration to Texas from the United States, increased taxes, and repeated the ban on slavery. Settlers simply avoid or ignore the law. In 1834, about 30,000 Anglo lived in Coahuila y Tejas, compared to only 7,800 Mexicans born. By the end of 1835, nearly 5,000 Africans were enslaved and African Americans living in Texas, which accounted for 13 percent of the non-Indian population.
In 1832, Antonio LÃÆ'³pez de Santa Anna led a revolt to overthrow Bustamante. The Texans, or English-speaking settlers, use rebellion as an excuse to take up arms. By mid-August, all Mexican troops had been driven from eastern Texas. Backed by their success, the Texans held two political conventions to persuade the Mexican authorities to weaken the Law of 6 April 1830. In November 1833, the Mexican government sought to overcome some problems, undo some parts of the law and give it to the colonists further. concessions, including increased representation in state legislatures. Stephen F. Austin, who brought the first American settlers to Texas, wrote to a friend that "Every crime that has been complained has been corrected." The Mexican authorities were quietly alert, worried that the invaders were maneuvering toward secession.
Santa Anna soon revealed herself as a centralist, who turned the Mexican government into a centralized government. In 1835, the 1824 Constitution was annulled; the state legislature was dismissed, the militia dissolved. Federalists all over Mexico were shocked. Residents in the states of Oaxaca and Zacatecas took up arms. After Santa Anna's forces subdued the rebellion in Zacatecas in May, he gave his troops two days to plunder the city; more than 2,000 unarmed people were killed. Governor Coahuila y Tejas, AgustÃÆ'n Viesca, refused to dissolve the legislature, instead ordered that the session be held again at BÃÆ'Ã… © xar, farther from the influence of the Mexican army. Although prominent Juan Tuñano Juan SeguÃÆ'n appointed a militia company to help the governor, BÃÆ' Â © xar ayuntamiento (city council) order him not to interfere, and Viesca was arrested before he reached Texas.
Public opinion in Texas is divided. Editorials in the United States began to advocate full independence for Texas. After several people launched a small revolt against customs at Anahuac in June, local leaders began calling for a rally to determine whether the majority of settlers favored independence, returned to federalism, or the status quo. Although some leaders fear that Mexican officials will see this type of meeting as a step towards revolution, by the end of August most societies have agreed to send a delegation to the Consultation, which is scheduled for October 15.
In early April 1835, the military commander in Texas began asking for help, for fear the citizens would rebel. Mexico was unprepared for a major civil war, but unrest continued in Texas posed significant harm to the powers of Santa Anna and Mexico. If the Coahuila people also took up arms, Mexico faced losing most of its territory. Without the northeastern provinces to act as a buffer, the likelihood of US influence will spread, and the Mexican regions of Nuevo Mexico and Alta California will risk America's encroachment in the future. Santa Anna does not want to struggle with the United States, and she knows that riots need to be subdued before the United States can be convinced to get involved. In early September, Santa Anna ordered his brother-in-law, General MartÃÆ'n Perfecto de Cos, to lead 500 troops to Texas to quell a potential uprising. Cos and his men landed at Copano port on 20 September. Austin asked all the municipalities to raise the militias in self-defense.
Maps Texas Revolution
Texian offensive: October-December 1835
Gonzales
In the early 1830s, soldiers lent Gonzales citizens a small cannon to protect against Indian attacks. After a Mexican soldier hit the population of Gonzales on September 10, 1835, tensions increased further, and Mexican authorities felt it was unwise to leave the settlers with guns. Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea, commander of all Mexican military forces in Texas, sent a small detachment of troops to take the cannons. After the settlers escorted the group from the city without a cannon, Ugartechea sent 100 dragons with Lieutenant Francisco de CastaÃÆ' ¢ eda to demand obedience, with the order to avoid violence if possible.
Many of the settlers believed that the Mexican authorities were making excuses to attack the city and eliminate the militia. The Texans stopped CastaÃÆ'Â ± eda attempts to renegotiate the canon for several days as they awaited reinforcements from other colonies. In the early hours of October 2, about 140 Texian volunteers attacked the CastaÃÆ' Â ± eda forces. After a small battle, CastaÃÆ' ¢ eda called for a meeting with Texas leader John Henry Moore. CastaÃÆ' Â ± eda reveals that he shares their federalist tendencies, but that he must obey orders. When Moore returned to camp, the Texans lifted a homemade white banner with a black painted image in the middle, above the words "Come and Take". Realizing that he was outnumbered and lost weapons, CastaÃÆ' Â ± eda led his troops back to BÃÆ'Ã… © xar. In the first battle of the revolution, two Mexican soldiers were killed, and one Texan was injured when he fell from his horse. Despite the event, as characterized by the historian William C. Davis, "a small battle where one party is not trying to fight", the Texans immediately declared victory over the Mexican army. News of the fighting spread throughout the United States, prompting many adventurers to come to Texas to join the battle.
Volunteers continue to arrive in Gonzales. On October 11, the troops unanimously chose Austin, which lacks official military experience, the leader of the group dubbed the People's Army. From the beginning, the volunteer forces proved to have little discipline. Austin's first official order was to remind his men that they were expected to obey their commanding officer. Backed by their victory, the Texans were determined to move Mexican troops out of Texas, and they began preparing to march to BÃÆ'Ã… © xar.
Gulf Coast Campaign
After learning that the Texans attacked CastaÃÆ' Â ± eda in Gonzales, Cos rushed to BÃÆ'Â Â Â © Xar. Unaware of his departure, on October 6, Texans in Matagorda marched in Presidio La Baha in Goliad to kidnap him and steal the $ 50,000 rumored to be with him. On October 10, about 125 volunteers, including 30 Tejanos , raided the presidio. Mexican garrison surrendered after a thirty-minute battle. One or two Texans were injured and three Mexican soldiers were killed with seven others wounded.
The Texans established themselves in the presidio, under the command of Captain Philip Dimmitt, who promptly sent all local Tejano volunteers to join Austin at the march to BÃÆ'Ã… © xar. At the end of the month, Dimmitt sends a group of people under Ira Westover to engage a Mexican garrison at Fort LipantitlÃÆ'¡n, near San Patricio. On November 3, Texas troops seized the fort without defenses without firing a shot. After dismantling the castle, they prepare to return to Goliad. The rest of the Mexican garrison, who had been out patrolling, approached. Mexican troops were accompanied by 15-20 faithful supporters from San Patricio, including all members of ayuntamiento. After a thirty-minute battle, Mexican soldiers and Texas centralists retreated. With their departure, Texas troops controlled the Gulf Coast, forcing Mexican commanders to send all communications with inland Mexico hinterland. Slower ground travels made Cos unable to quickly request or receive reinforcements or supplies.
Upon their return to Goliad, Westover's group met Governor Viesca. After being released by sympathetic soldiers, Viesca immediately traveled to Texas to re-create state rule. Dimmitt welcomed Viesca but refused to recognize his authority as governor. This causes a commotion in the garrison, as many support the governor. Dimmitt declared martial law and immediately alienated most of the locals. Over the next few months, the area between Goliad and Refugio took to civil war. Goliad native Carlos de la Garza leads a guerrilla war campaign against the Texans. According to historian Paul Lack, texas antivaler tactics are not too much to destroy the opposition but enough to destabilize people who are not committed to the centralists. "
Siege BÃÆ' Â © xar
While Dimmitt oversees Texas troops along the Gulf Coast, Austin leads his troops towards BÃÆ'Ã… © xar to involve Cos and his troops. Confident that they will quickly defeat the Mexican army, many Consultation delegates choose to join the military. Unable to reach quorum, Consultation is postponed until November 1st. On October 16, Texas troops stopped 25 miles (40 km) from BÃÆ'Ã… © xar. Austin sent a messenger to Cos giving the necessary requirements of the Texans to lay down their weapons and "avoid the sad consequences of the Civil War that unfortunately threatened Texas". Cos replied that Mexico would not "give in to foreigners' orders".
About 650 Mexican troops quickly build barricades across the city. In a few days the Texas army, about 450 people, embarked on the siege of BÃÆ'Ã… © xar, and gradually moved their camp closer to BÃÆ'Â Â xar. On October 27, a follow-up party led by James Bowie and James Fannin chose Mission ConcepciÃÆ'³n as the next camp and sent for the rest of the Texian forces. Knowing that the Texans were temporarily divided, Ugartechea led troops to engage Bowie and Fannin people. Mexican cavalry can not fight effectively in forested areas, small rivers, and Mexican infantry weapons have a much shorter range than the Texans. After three Mexican infantry attacks were repulsed, Ugartechea asked for a retreat. One Texas soldier was killed, and between 14 and 76 Mexican soldiers were killed. Although Texas Tech University professor Alwyn Barr notes that the Concepción battle "should teach... a lesson about Mexican courage and good defensive position", Texas historian Stephen Hardin believes that "the relative ease of victory at Concepción instilled in the Texans reliance on their long guns and contempt for their enemies ".
When the weather turned cold and the rations got smaller, a group of Texans began to leave, mostly unlicensed. Excitement was encouraged on November 18, when the first volunteer group from the United States, New Orleans Gray, joined the Texas army. Unlike the majority of Texia volunteers, the Grays looked like soldiers, in uniforms, well-preserved rifles, adequate ammunition, and some semblance of discipline.
After Austin resigned to become commissioner to the United States, the army chose Edward Burleson as their new commander. On Nov. 26, Burleson received word that the railway package of mules and Mexican horses, accompanied by 50-100 Mexican soldiers, is 5 miles (8.0 km) from BÃÆ'Â Ã…x. After a close uprising, Burleson sent Bowie and William H. Jack with cavalry and infantry to intercept the supply. In the ensuing battle, Mexican forces were forced to retreat to BÃÆ'Ã… © xar, leaving their cargo behind. To the disappointment of the Texans, the saddlebags contained only food for the horses; for this reason the battle was then known as the Grass Fight. Although the victory briefly lifted the Texans, the spirit continued to decline as the weather turned cold and the men became bored. After several proposals to take BÃÆ'Ã… © xar forcibly rejected by the Texans, on 4 December Burleson proposed that the army lift the siege and retreat to Goliad until spring. In a last-ditch effort to avoid retreats, Colonel Ben Milam personally recruited units to participate in the attack. The next morning, Milam and Colonel Frank W. Johnson led several hundred Texans into town. Over the next four days, the Texans fought from house to house to a fortified plaza near the city center.
Cos received 650 reinforcements on December 8, but most of them were raw recruits, including many chained prisoners. Instead of helping, the reinforcements were mainly depleting the depleted food supply. Looking at some other options, on December 9th, Cos and most of his men resigned to the Alamo Mission on the outskirts of BÃÆ'Â Â Â Â Xar. Cos presented a plan for a counterattack; cavalry officers believed they would be surrounded by Texans and refused their orders. Perhaps 175 soldiers from four cavalry companies left the mission and went south; The Mexican officers then claimed those people misunderstood their orders and did not leave. The next morning, Cos gives up. Under the terms of surrender Cos and his men will leave Texas and no longer fight against the Constitutional supporters of 1824. With his departure, there are no more organized Mexican garrison troops in Texas, and many Texans believe the war is over. Burleson resigned from his leadership on December 15 and returned home. Many of the men did the same, and Johnson took command of the remaining 400 soldiers.
According to Barr, a large number of American volunteers at BÃÆ'Ã… © xar "contributed to the Mexican view that the Texas opposition came from outside influences". In fact, of the 1,300 people who volunteered for the Texas army in October and November 1835, only 150-200 arrived from the United States after 2 October. The rest are Texans with an average immigration date of 1830. Volunteers come from every municipality, including those partly occupied by Mexican troops. However, when the population returned to their home after Cos surrendered, the composition of the Texas army changed dramatically. Of the volunteers who served from January to March 1836, 78 percent had arrived from the United States after 2 October 1835.
Reintegration: November 1835 - February 1836
Texas Consultation and Matamoros Expedition
The consultation was finally held on 3 November in San Felipe with 58 of 98 elected delegates. After a heated debate for several days, the delegates chose to create an interim government based on the principles of the 1824 Constitution. Although they did not declare independence, the delegates insisted that they would not rejoin Mexico until federalism had been restored. The new government will consist of a governor and a General Council, with one representative from each of the municipalities. Assuming that these two branches will work together, there is no system of checks and balances.
On November 13, the delegates chose to form regular troops and named Sam Houston as commander-in-chief. In an effort to attract volunteers from the United States, the soldiers will be given ground bounty. This provision is very important, because all public lands are owned by the state or federal government, indicating that delegates expect Texas to eventually declare independence. Houston was not authorized by the Austin-led volunteer army, which preceded the Consultation. Houston was also appointed to the Select Committee on Indian Affairs. Three men, including Austin, were asked to go to the United States to raise money, volunteers, and supplies. Delegates chose Henry Smith as governor. On November 14, the Consultation was postponed, leaving Smith and the Board responsible.
The new Texas government has no funds, so the military is authorized to impress inventory. This policy soon resulted in an almost universal hatred of the Council, as food and supplies became scarce, especially in the area around Goliad and BÃÆ'Ã… © xar, where the Texans were stationed. Few of the volunteers agreed to join the regular forces of Houston. The Telegraph and Texas Register notes that "some are unwilling, under present administration, to perform any task... That our government is bad, all admit, and no one will deny."
Leaders in Texas continue to argue whether the soldier is fighting for independence or returning to federalism. On December 22, Texas troops stationed in La Baha issued the Goliad Declaration of Independence. Not wanting to decide the matter itself, the Council called for another election, for delegates to the 1836 Convention. The council specifically noted that all white men are free to vote, as well as Mexicans who do not support centralism. Smith tried to veto the latter requirement, for he believed even Tejanos with federalist tendencies to be denied the right to vote.
Leading federalists in Mexico, including former Viesca governor Lorenzo de Zavala and JosÃÆ'Â © Antonio Mexa, advocated a plan to attack centralist forces in Matamoros. Board members are taken with the idea of ​​Matamoros Expedition. They hope it will inspire other federalist states to rebel and keep the tired Texia troops out of the army. Most importantly, it will move the war zone outside of Texas. The council formally approved the plan on December 25, and on December 30, Johnson and his mentor. James Grant took most of the army and almost all supplies to Goliad to prepare for the expedition. Historian Stuart Reid argues that Grant is a British secret agent, and that his plan to take Matamoros, and thus bind Texas more closely to Mexico, may be an unofficial scheme to advance British interests in the region.
The small quarrel between Smith and the House members increased dramatically, and on January 9, 1836, Smith threatened to dismiss the Council unless they agreed to revoke their agreement on the Matamoros Expedition. Two days later, the Council chose to indict Smith and name James W. Robinson as Governor's Officer. It is not clear whether the two parties really have the power to ignore the others. At this point, Texas is basically in anarchy.
Under orders from Smith, Houston manages to prevent all but 70 people from continuing to follow Johnson. With his own questionable authority after Smith's impeachment, Houston washed his troop's hands and traveled to Nacogdoches to negotiate an agreement with the Cherokee leader. Houston swears that Texas will recognize Cherokee claims to land in East Texas as long as India refrains from attacking settlements or helping Mexican soldiers. In his absence, Fannin, as the highest-ranking officer active in regular troops, leads those who do not want to go to Matamoros to Goliad.
The Council has neglected to give specific instructions on how the February vote structure for delegates to the convention, leaving it to each of the municipalities to determine how to balance the population's established desire for people from newly arrived volunteers from the United States. Chaos occurs; in Nacogdoches, a re-election judge of a company with 40 volunteers from Kentucky who arrived that week. The soldiers withdrew their weapons; Colonel Sidney Sherman announced that he "came to Texas to fight for it and immediately started in the city of Nacogdoches just like anywhere else". Finally, troops were allowed to vote. With rumors that Santa Anna is preparing a large army to advance to Texas, the rhetoric degenerates into a framing conflict as the Anglos warfare that defends their property against, in the words of David G. Burnet, "the decadent Spanish race and the Indians who are degenerate, more corrupt than they are. "
Mexican Operation Army
News of the armed uprising in Gonzales reached Santa Anna on 23 October. Apart from the ruling elite and members of the army, few people in Mexico know or care about the uprising. Those who have knowledge of the event blame Anglo for their unwillingness to obey the laws and culture of their new country. The Anglo immigrants have forced the war in Mexico, and the honor of Mexico insisted that the usurper was defeated. Santa Anna diverted her presidency to Miguel Barragón to personally lead the troops to end the Tex uprising. Santa Anna and his troops believe that the Texans will be scared quickly. Mexican War Secretary JosÃÆ'Â © MarÃÆ'a Tornel writes: "The superiority of Mexican soldiers over Kentucky mountain climbers and Missouri hunters is well known.Vetors who were slaughtered for 20 years of war can not be intimidated by the presence of a soldier who is ignorant of the art of war, unable to discipline , and is famous for insubordination. "
At the moment, there are only 2,500 soldiers in the interior of Mexico. This is not enough to crush the insurgency and provide security - from attacks by India and federalists - across the country. According to writer Will Fowler, Santa Anna financed the Texas expedition with three loans; one from the city of San Luis Potosa, and two other loans from individuals Cayetano Rubio and Juan N. Errazo. Santa Anna has guaranteed at least a portion of the payment with her own financial holdings. He started collecting a new army, which he named the Army of Operations in Texas. Most of the troops have undergone military service or convicts who choose conscription in prison. Mexican officers know that the Brown Bess rifle they carry does not have the reach of Texas weapons, but Santa Anna believes that the planning of her boss will still produce an easy victory. Corruption is rampant, and inventory is not much. Almost from the beginning, short rations, and no medical supplies or doctors. Some troops were given thick coats or blankets for winter.
At the end of December, on the orders of Santa Anna, the Mexican Congress passed the Decree of Tornel, stating that any foreigner who fought against Mexican troops "would be considered a pirate and dealt with thus, becoming a citizen no country is currently at war with the Republic and fought under there is no known flag. "In the early nineteenth century, the captured pirates were immediately executed. Thus, the resolution gave Mexican soldiers permission not to take prisoners in the war against the Texans. This information is not widely distributed, and it is unlikely that most of the American troops serving in the Texans are aware that there will be no prisoners of war.
In December of 1835, 6,019 troops had begun their journey to Texas. Slow progress. There were not enough mules to carry all the supplies, and many of the timsters, all civilians, quit when their pay was delayed. The abundance of soldaderas - women and children who follow soldiers - reduces scarce supplies. In Saltillo, Cos and his men from BÃÆ'Ã… © xar joined the Santa Anna army. Santa Anna considers Cos's promise not to take up arms in Texas as meaningless because it has been given to the rebels.
From Saltillo, the army has three options: advancing along the coast at Atascocita Road from Matamoros to Goliad, or marching on BÃÆ'ÂÂ © xar from the south, along the Laredo road, or from the west, along the Camino Real. Santa Anna ordered Gen. José de Urrea to lead 550 troops to Goliad. Although some of Santa Anna's officers argued that the entire army had to advance along the coast, where supplies could be obtained by sea, Santa Anna focused instead on BÃÆ'Ã… © xar, the political center of Texas and the place of Cos's defeat. The surrender of his brother-in-law was seen as a blow to the honor of his family and Mexico; Santa Anna is determined to restore both. Santa Anna might also think BÃÆ'Â © xar would be more easily defeated, because his spies had told him that most of the Texans were along the coast, preparing for the Matamoros Expedition. Santa Anna leads most of his men up Camino Real to approach BÃÆ'Ã… © xar from the west, confusing the Texans, who expect an advanced troop to approach from the south. On February 17, they crossed the Nueces River, formally entering Texas.
Temperatures hit record lows, and by February 13 it was estimated that 15-16 inches (38-41 cm) of snow had fallen. A large number of new recruits come from the tropical climate of YucatÃÆ'¡n and can not adapt to harsh winter conditions. Some of them die of hypothermia, and others have dysentery. The soldiers left behind were sometimes killed by the parties who robbed the Comanche. Nevertheless, the army continued to march towards BÃÆ'Ã… © xar. As they progressed, settlers in their path in South Texas fled north. Mexican soldiers searched and occasionally set fire to empty houses. Santa Anna and her commanding officer received timely intelligence at the site of the Texan forces, powers, and plans, from the Tejano spy network organized by de la Garza.
Santa Anna Attack: February-March 1836
Alamo
Fewer than 100 Texas soldiers remain at the Alamo Mission in BÃÆ'Â Ã… © xar, under the command of Colonel James C. Neill. Unable to save the number of people needed to maintain extensive facility defense, in January Houston sent Bowie with 30 men to remove the artillery and destroy the complex. In a letter to Governor Smith, Bowie argued that "the salvation of Texas relies heavily on keeping BÃÆ'Ã… © xar out of enemy hands, this serves as a vanguard guard, and if it is in possession of Santa Anna, there is no castle to drive him on his way to Sabine. "The letter to Smith ended," Colonel Neill and myself have come to a serious resolution that we'd rather die in these trenches than hand them over to the enemy. " Some reinforcements are authorized; cavalry officer William B. Travis arrived at BÃÆ'Ã… © xar with 30 people on February 3rd and five days later, a small group of volunteers arrived, including the famous frontier Davy Crockett. On February 11, Neill went to recruit additional reinforcements and collect supplies. In his absence, Travis and Bowie share orders.
When the scouts passed the news on Feb. 23 that Mexican security guards were seen, the Texans were not ready to collect what they could find in the city and fall back into the Alamo. By late afternoon, BÃÆ'Ã… © xar was occupied by some 1,500 Mexican troops, who quickly raised the red blood flag indicating no quarters. Over the next 13 days, Mexican soldiers surrounded the Alamo. Some small battles give the advocates a much-needed optimism, but have little real impact. Bowie fell ill on February 24, leaving Travis in the sole command of the Texan army. On the same day, Travis sent a messenger with a letter to the People of Texas & amp; All Americans in the World, pleading for reinforcements and swearing "victory or death"; this letter is reprinted throughout the United States and most of Europe. Texian and American volunteers began to gather in Gonzales, waiting for Fannin to come and lead them to strengthen the Alamo. After a few days of confusion, on February 26 Fannin prepared to move 300 troops to the Alamo; they returned the next day. Less than 100 Texian reinforcements reached the fort.
About 1,000 Mexican reinforcements arrived on March 3. The next day, a local woman, possibly Bowie volunteer Juana Navarro Alsbury was rejected by Santa Anna as she tried to negotiate a surrender for the Alamo supporters. This visit raises Santa Anna's impatience, and she schedules the attack for the beginning of March 6. Many of his officers oppose the plan; they prefer to wait until the artillery has damaged the Alamo wall and the defenders are forced to surrender. Santa Anna is convinced that a decisive victory will raise morale and voice a strong message for those still restless in the interior and elsewhere in Texas.
In the early hours of March 6, Mexican troops attacked the fortress. The troops from BÃÆ'Ã… © xar are freed from the front line, so they will not be forced to fight their family and friends. In the early days of the Mexican invasion there was a loss. Although their column formation allowed only the vanguard of the army to shoot safely, the inexperienced people behind also relinquished their weapons; many Mexican soldiers were unintentionally killed by their own colleagues. When Mexican troops stormed the wall, at least 80 Texans escaped from the Alamo and were cut down by Mexican cavalry. Within an hour, almost all Texian lawyers, estimated at 182-257, were killed. Between four and seven Texans, perhaps including Crockett, surrender. Although General Manuel FernÃÆ'¡ndez CastrillÃÆ'³n attempted to mediate on their behalf, Santa Anna insisted that the prisoners should be executed immediately.
Most historians agree that 400-600 Mexicans are killed or injured. This would represent about one-third of Mexican soldiers involved in the latest attack, which historian Timothy Todish says is "an extraordinary death rate by any standard". The battle was militarily insignificant, but it had a huge political impact. Travis has managed to buy time for the 1836 Convention, scheduled for March 1, to meet. If Santa Anna does not stop at BÃÆ'Ã… © xar for two weeks, she will reach San Felipe on March 2nd and is very likely to catch the delegates or cause them to escape.
Survivors, especially women and children, were questioned by Santa Anna and later released. Susanna Dickinson was sent with slave Joe Travis to Gonzales, where she lived, to spread the word about the Texas defeat. Santa Anna assumes that the knowledge of the differences in troop numbers and the fate of the Texas soldiers in the Alamo will quell the resistance, and that the Texia soldiers will soon leave the area.
Goliad Campaign
Urrea reached Matamoros on 31 January. As a committed federalist, he immediately convinced other federalists in the area that the final goal of the Texans was to break away and their attempt to trigger a federalist rebellion in Matamoros was just a method of diverting attention from themselves. The Mexican double agent continues to convince Johnson and Grant that they will be able to take Matamoros with ease. While Johnson was waiting in San Patricio with a small group of men, Grant and between 26 and 53 others explored the area between the Nueces River and Matamoros. Although they seemed to be looking for more horses, Grant might also try to contact his source at Matamoros to coordinate further attacks.
Right after midnight on February 27, Urrea's troops surprised Johnson's army. Six Texans, including Johnson, fled; the rest were arrested or killed. After learning of Grant's existence from a local spy, Mexican dragoons ambushed the Texans in Agua Dulce Creek on March 2nd. Twelve Texans were killed, including Grant, four were arrested, and six fled. Although Urrea's order was to execute those arrested, he instead sent them to Matamoros as captives.
On March 11, Fannin sent Captain Amon B. King to help evacuate the settlers from the mission at Refugio. The king and his men spent all day searching for local farms for centralist sympathizers. They returned to the mission on 12 March and were immediately surrounded by Urrea and Garda faces guard Victoriana de la Garza. On the same day, Fannin received an order from Houston to destroy Presidio La Baha (later renamed Fort Defiance) and marched to Victoria. Not wanting to leave his men behind, Fannin sent William Ward with 120 men to help King's company. The Wards drove out troops besieging the church, but instead of returning to Goliad they delayed one day to carry out further attacks on the local farm.
Urrea arrived with nearly 1,000 troops on 14 March. At the battle of Refugio, an engagement very similar to the Concepción battle, the Texans repulsed several attacks and caused many casualties, relying on the greater accuracy and range of their rifles. At the end of the day, the Texans were hungry, thirsty, tired, and almost out of ammunition. Ward ordered his retreat, and under the shadow of darkness and rain, Texans sneaked past the Mexican line, leaving behind some of the severely injured people behind. Over the next few days, Urrea's troops, with the help of local central supporters, arrested many of the runaway Texans. Most were executed, though Urrea was forgiven some after their wives pleaded for their lives, and Mexican Colonel Juan JosÃÆ'Â © Holzinger insisted that all non-Americans would be spared.
At the end of the day on March 16, most of Urrea's troops began marching to Goliad to corner Fannin. Still waiting for news from King and Ward, Fannin continues to delay evacuation from Goliad. As they prepare to leave on March 18, Urrea's bodyguard arrives. For the rest of the day, the two cavalry wander aimlessly, only exhausting the Texas bull, who remain tied to their cart without food or water all day.
The Texans began their retreat on March 19. The speed was not rushed, and after traveling only 6.4 km, the group stopped for an hour to rest and let the bulls graze. The Urrea troops succeeded in overtaking the Texans that afternoon, while Fannin and his army of about 300 people crossed the meadow. After learning of the battle at Refugio, Urrea decided that the Texans would not reach a wooden cover about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) ahead, along Coleto Creek. When Mexican troops surrounded them, the Texans formed an empty field for defense. They sentenced three charges during the battle at Coleto, which left about nine Texans dead and 51 wounded, including Fannin. Urrea lost 50 men, with 140 others injured. The Texans had little food, no water, and a steady supply of ammunition, but chose not to try to destroy the wood, because they had to leave the wounded behind.
The next morning, March 20, Urrea paraded his men and his new artillery. Seeing the desperation of their situation, the Texans with Fannin surrendered. Mexican notes indicate that the Texans surrendered to wisdom; Texas accounts claim that Urrea promised that the Texans would be treated as prisoners of war and given permission to the United States. Two days later, a group of Urrea men surrounded Ward and his last group was less than 1 mile (1.6 km) from Victoria. Upon Ward's hard objection, his men chose to surrender, then recalled they were told they would be sent back to the United States.
On Palm Sunday, March 27, Fannin, Ward, Westover, and their men were herded out of presidio and shot. The Mexican cavalry is stationed nearby to hunt down anyone trying to escape. About 342 Texans were killed, and 27 fled or avoided Mexican troops. A few weeks after the Goliad massacre, the Mexican Congress granted an official suspension to every Texas captive who suffered the death penalty.
Texas Convention of 1836
The 1836 convention in Washington-on-the-Brazos on 1 March attracted 45 delegates, representing 21 municipalities. Within an hour since the opening of the convention, George C. Childress filed a proposed Texas Declaration of Independence, which was forwarded on 2 March. On March 6, hours after the Alamo crashed, Travis's last shipment arrived. His anxiety was proven; The delegation of Robert Potter soon moved that the convention was postponed and all the delegates joined the army. Houston convinced the delegates to stay, and then went to take over the troops. With the support of the Convention, Houston is now the commander of all regular forces, volunteers and militia in Texas.
Over the next ten days, the delegates prepared a constitution for the Republic of Texas. Parts of the document are copied word for word from the Constitution of the United States; other articles are paraphrased. The new state government is structured similarly to the United States government, with bicameral legislatures, chief executives, and supreme courts. In the sharp departure of its model, the new constitution explicitly allows the recording of goods and forced housing for soldiers. It also explicitly legalizes slavery and recognizes people's right to rebel against governmental authority. After adopting the constitution on March 17, the delegation elected a provisional official to govern the country and was then postponed. David G. Burnet, who has not been a delegate, was elected president. The next day, Burnet announced that the government was leaving for Harrisburg.
Retreat: March-May 1836
Texian Retreat: The Runaway Scrape
On March 11, Santa Anna sent an army to join Urrea, with instructions to move to Brazoria once the Fannin's men had been neutralized. A second series of 700 troops under General Antonio Gaona will advance Camino Real to Mina, and then to Nacogdoches. General JoaquÃÆ'n RamÃÆ'rez y Sesma will bring 700 more people to San Felipe. The Mexican columns thus move to the northeast around the parallel path, which is separated by 40-50 miles (64-80 km).
The same day when Mexican troops left BÃÆ'Ã… © xar, Houston arrived at Gonzales and told 374 volunteers (some without weapons) gathered there that Texas was now an independent republic. Right after 11 p.m on March 13, Susanna Dickinson and Joe brought news that the Alamo garrison had been defeated and Mexican soldiers marched toward the Texas settlement. A war council organized in a hasty vote to evacuate the area and retreat. The evacuation started at midnight and happened so fast that many Tex spies were unaware that the army had moved. All that can not be burned is burned, and only two army cannons are thrown into the Guadalupe River. When RamÃÆ'rez y Sesma reached Gonzales on the morning of March 14, he found the buildings still smoldering.
Most of the residents ran away on foot, many carrying their little ones. A cavalry company led by SeguÃÆ'n and Salvador Flores was assigned as a rearguard to evacuate more isolated farms and protect civilians from attacks by Mexican or Indian troops. The further the troops retreat, the more civilians join the flight. For both soldiers and civilians, the pace was slow; torrential rain has flooded the river and turned the road into a mud pit.
When news of the fall of the Alamo spread, the ranks of volunteers swelled, reaching around 1,400 on March 19. Houston learned of Fannin's defeat on March 20 and realized his troops were the last hope for an independent Texas. Fearing that his poorly trained and undisciplined troops would only be good for one battle and realized that his troops could easily be defeated by the Urrea troops, Houston continued to avoid engagement, with the enormous displeasure of his troops. On March 28, the Texans had retreated 120 miles (190 km) across the Navidad and Colorado Rivers. Lots of lonely troops; those who continue to complain that their commander is a coward.
On March 31, Houston stopped his men at Groce's Landing, about 15 miles (24 km) north of San Felipe. Two companies that refused to retreat further than San Felipe were assigned to guard the crossings on the Brazos River. Over the next two weeks, the Texans rested, recovering from illness, and, for the first time, began practicing military training. While there, two cannons, known as Twin Sisters, arrived from Cincinnati, Ohio. Temporary Secretary of War Thomas Rusk joined the camp, â € Santa Anna and the smaller army remain in BÃÆ'Ã… © xar. Upon receiving word that the acting president, Miguel Barragón, had died, Santa Anna was seriously considering returning to Mexico City to establish her position. The fear that Urrea's victory will position him as a political rival convinces Santa Anna to remain in Texas to personally keep an eye on the final stages of the campaign. He left on 29 March to join RamÃÆ'rez y Sesma, leaving only a small force to hold BÃÆ'Â Ã… © xar. At dawn on April 7, their combined troops marched to San Felipe and arrested a Texas soldier, who told Santa Anna that the Texans planned to retreat further if Mexican troops crossed the Brazos River. Can not cross Brazos because of a small Texan company barricaded at a river crossing, on April 14 the frustrated Santa Anna led a force of about 700 troops to capture a temporary administration while Texas. Government officials fled just hours before Mexican troops arrived in Harrisburg, and Santa Anna sent Colonel Juan Almonte with 50 cavalry to intercept them in New Washington. Almonte arrived just as Burnet was pushed into a rowing boat, heading for Galveston Island. Although the boat was still within their range of weapons, Almonte ordered his men to keep their shots from harming the Burnet family. At this point, Santa Anna believed that the rebellion was in its final upheaval. The Texas government had been forced out of the mainland, in no way to communicate with its troops, who showed no interest in fighting. He was determined to block the withdrawal of the Texans and end the war. The Almond scouts mistakenly reported that the Houston army would go to Lynchburg Crossing, in Buffalo Bayou, in preparation for joining the government in Galveston, so Santa Anna ordered that Harrisburg be burned and pressed toward Lynchburg. The Texans had continued their journey eastwards. On April 16, they arrived at a crossroads; one led north toward Nacogdoches, the other went to Harrisburg. Without a command from Houston and without discussion amongst themselves, the lead forces took the path to Harrisburg. They arrived on April 18, shortly after the departure of the Mexican army. On the same day, Deaf Smith and Henry Karnes arrested a Mexican messenger carrying intelligence on the location and future plans of all Mexican troops in Texas. Realizing that Santa Anna had only minor powers and was not far away, Houston gave a rousing speech to his men, urging them to "Remember the Alamo" and "Remember Goliad". His troops then ran toward Lynchburg. Fearing that his men might not distinguish between Mexican soldiers and Tejanos in SeguÃÆ'n companies, Houston initially ordered SeguÃÆ'n and his men to remain in Harrisburg to keep those who were too ill to travel quickly. After strong protests from SeguÃÆ'n and Antonio Menchaca, the order was canceled, provided that Tejanos was wearing a cardboard sheet in their caps to identify them as Texas soldiers. San Jacinto
The area along Buffalo Bayou has many thick oak trees, separated by swamps. This kind of field is familiar to the people of Texas and quite foreign to the Mexican warriors. The Houston army, made up of 900 people, reached Ferry Lynch on the morning of April 20; The power of 700 Santa Anna's soldiers arrived a few hours later. The Texans set up camp in a wooded area along the banks of Buffalo Bayou; while its location provides good protection and helps hide their full power, it also makes the Texans have no room to back off. Upon the protests of several officers, Santa Anna chose to camp in a vulnerable location, a plain near the San Jacinto River, bordered by forests on one side, swamps and lakes on the other. The two camps are about 500 yards (460 m) apart, separated by grassy areas with a slight rise in the middle. Colonel Pedro Delgado later wrote that "Your Majesty's camping ground is in every way contrary to military rule." Any youngster will do better. "
Over the next few hours, two small battles took place. Texas won the first, forcing a small band of Mexican dragons and artillery to retreat. Mexican shooters then forced the Texas cavalry forces to retreat. In the fight, Rusk, on foot to refill his rifle, was almost captured by Mexican soldiers, but was rescued by a newly arrived Texas volunteer, Mirabeau B. Lamar. Upon Houston's objections, many infantry soldiers rushed to the field. When the Texas cavalry troops fell back, Lamar stayed behind to rescue another Texan who had been thrown off his horse; Mexican officers "reportedly praised" his courage. Houston was furious that the infantryman had disobeyed his orders and gave Santa Anna a better estimate of their strength; the men were equally angry that Houston did not allow full combat.
Throughout the night, Mexican troops work to fortify their camps, creating breasts from everything they can find, including saddles and brushes. At 9am on April 21, Cos arrived with 540 reinforcements, bringing Mexican troops to 1,200, losing to the Texans. Cos people are a crude recruitment than experienced soldiers, and they have lined up steadily for over 24 hours, without rest and without food. As the morning passed without a Texas attack, Mexican officials lowered their guard. By late afternoon, Santa Anna had given permission for Cos's men to sleep; his own weary troop also takes time to rest, eat, and bathe.
Shortly after the Mexican aid troops arrived, Houston ordered Smith to destroy Vince Bridge, 5 miles (8.0 km), to slow down further Mexican reinforcements. At 4 p.m. The Texans began to creep slowly through the tall grass, pulling the cannons behind them. Texas guns fired at 4:30, starting the San Jacinto battle. After a volley, the Texans broke the line and invaded Mexico's chest to engage in hand-to-hand combat. The Mexican soldiers are really surprised. Santa Anna, CastrillÃÆ'³n, and Almonte shout out the often contradictory commands, trying to organize their people into some form of defense. Within 18 minutes, Mexican soldiers left their camp and fled for their lives. The killing lasted for hours.
Many Mexican soldiers retreated through the swamp to Peggy Lake. Texif troops station themselves on the banks of the river and shoot anything that moves. Many Texas officers, including Houston and Rusk, tried to stop the massacre, but they could not control men. The Texans continue to recite "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!" while a frightened Mexican infantry yelled "I'm not an Alamo!" and begs for mercy without success. In what historian Davis calls "one of the greatest wins in history", 650 Mexican soldiers were killed and 300 arrested. Eleven Texans were killed, with 30 others, including Houston, wounded.
Although Santa Anna's troops have been completely defeated, they do not represent most Mexicans in Texas. An additional 4,000 troops remain under the command of Urrea and General Vicente Filisola. The Texans had won the battle for the mistakes Santa Anna made, and Houston was well aware that his troops would have little hope of repeating their victory against Urrea or Filisola. When the darkness fell, a large group of prisoners were taken to the camp. Houston initially mistook the group as a Mexican reinforcement and shouted that it was all gone.
Mexican retreat and surrender
Santa Anna made it through to Vince's Bridge. Find the bridge destroyed, he hid in the swamp and was arrested the next day. He was taken to Houston, who was shot in the ankle and badly wounded. The Texans gathered, calling for immediate execution of the Mexican general. Bargain for his life, Santa Anna suggested that he order the remaining Mexican troops to stay away. In a letter to Filisola, who is now a senior Mexican official in Texas, Santa Anna wrote that "last night [we had an unfortunate meeting]" and ordered his troops to retreat to BÃÆ'Ã… © xar and wait for further instructions.
Urrea urged Filisola to continue the campaign. He was sure that he could successfully challenge the Texans. According to Hardin, "Santa Anna has presented Mexico with a military disaster: Filisola does not want to take any other risks." Spring rains destroyed the ammunition and made the streets almost impassable, with troops kneeling in the mud. Mexican troops soon got out of food, and began to get sick from dysentery and other diseases. Their supply line is completely damaged, so there is no hope for further reinforcements. Filisola later wrote that "Had the enemy met us under this cruel situation, in the only remaining path, there was no alternative left except to die or yield to wisdom".
For several weeks after San Jacinto, Santa Anna continued to negotiate with Houston, Rusk, and then Burnet. Santa Anna suggested two treaties, a public version of the promise made between the two countries, and a personal version that included Santa Anna's personal covenant. The Treaties of Velasco require that all Mexican troops withdraw to the south of the Rio Grande and that all private property - codes for slaves - are respected and restored. Prisoner-of-war will be released unharmed, and Santa Anna will be given a road to Veracruz soon. He secretly promised to persuade the Mexican Congress to recognize the Republic of Texas and recognize the Rio Grande as a border between the two countries.
When Urrea began marching south in mid-May, many families from San Patricio who had supported the Mexican troops went with him. When the Texans arrived in early June, they found only 20 families left. The area around San Patricio and Refugio undergoes a "real depopulation" in the Republic of Texas year. Although the treaty has determined that Urrea and Filisola will return the slaves that their army ransacked, Urrea refuses to comply. Many former slaves follow soldiers to Mexico, where they can be free. By the end of May Mexican forces had crossed Nuote. Filisola fully hopes that the defeat is temporary and that a second campaign will be launched to recapture Texas.
Aftermath
Military
When the Mexican authorities received news of the defeat of Santa Anna at San Jacinto, flags across the country were lowered to half the staff and wrapped in mourning. Denouncing an agreement signed by Santa Anna, a prisoner of war, the Mexican authorities refused to recognize the Republic of Texas. Filisola was ridiculed for leading the retreat and was quickly replaced by Urrea. Within a few months, Urrea gathered 6,000 troops in Matamoros, ready to recapture Texas. However, the renewed Mexican invasion of Texas never materialized as Urrea's troops were diverted to counter the continuing federalist insurgency in other parts of Mexico.
Most in Texas assumes Mexican soldiers will return quickly. So many American volunteers flocked to Texas troops in the months after the victory at San Jacinto that the Texas government could not maintain an accurate list of registrations. Due to vigilance, BÃÆ'Ã… © xar remained under martial law throughout 1836. Rusk ordered that all Tejanos in the area between the Guadalupe and Nueces Rivers migrate east of Texas or to Mexico. Some residents who refused to comply were forced to move. The new Anglo settlers moved and used threats and legal maneuvers to take over land once owned by Tejanos . Over the next few years, hundreds of families of Tejano moved to Mexico.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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