Texas Revolution Begins

Setting the scene

The Texas Revolution began in October 1835, rooted in tensions between American settlers in Texas and the Mexican government. After Mexico gained independence in 1821, it encouraged American immigration to Texas to develop the sparsely populated region. By 1835, about 30,000 Americans lived in Texas, outnumbering Tejanos (Mexican Texans) 10-to-1. The settlers, mostly Southerners, brought enslaved people despite Mexico's 1829 abolition of slavery (Texas received an exemption). Cultural and political differences grew as Mexico shifted from federalism to centralism under President Antonio López de Santa Anna.

What happened

The immediate spark came in 1835 when Santa Anna abolished the 1824 Constitution and centralized power. Texans, accustomed to autonomy, resisted. In September 1835, Mexican troops attempted to retrieve a cannon loaned to Gonzales for defense against Indians. Texans refused, raising a flag reading 'Come and Take It.' On October 2, 1835, Texans repulsed Mexican troops at the Battle of Gonzales—the revolution's first military engagement. In November, Texans formed a provisional government and declared they were fighting for the 1824 Constitution, not yet independence.

Why it still matters

The revolution escalated in 1836 with the siege of the Alamo (February-March) and Goliad massacre, where Santa Anna's forces killed defenders. These atrocities galvanized Texan resistance. On March 2, 1836, Texas declared independence, and on April 21, Sam Houston's army defeated Santa Anna at San Jacinto, capturing him. The Texas Revolution resulted in the Republic of Texas (1836-1845), an independent nation that later joined the United States in 1845, leading directly to the Mexican-American War. The revolution established the mythic narrative of Texas independence and the Alamo as symbols of liberty and sacrifice.

Background

Texas independence followed at San Jacinto.