Sources of the Texas Revolution, Conventions of 1832 and 1833, early battles, Battle of the Alamo, Goliad and San Jacinto, establishing an interim government.
Texas Revolution unit contains 13 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Texas Revolution Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
The Mexican Government Asserts Control over Anglo Texas
Students learn about the Mexican Constitution of 1824. They describe three events that were precursors to the Texas Revolution—the Fredonia Rebellion, the Mier y Terán Report, and the Law of April 6, 1830. They identify how these events led to the Mexican government’s fear of a rebellion and the Anglos’ frustration with the government.
Sources of the Texas Revolution
Students examine growing tensions between some Anglo-American settlers and the Mexican government and summarize the complaints expressed in the Turtle Bayou Resolutions. Next, they examine why some settlers came to oppose President Santa Anna’s shift toward a stronger central government. Finally, students evaluate the role of the United States and private Americans in supporting or influencing the Texas Revolution.
The Conventions of 1832 and 1833
Students learn about the Conventions of 1832 and 1833 and the resolutions passed by each group. Then, they explore the arrest of Stephen F. Austin by the Mexican government.
The Early Battles
Students learn about the early battles of the Texas Revolution, including the Battle of Gonzales, the Goliad Campaign of 1835, and the Siege of San Antonio. They examine how these early conflicts developed and explain why the victories at Gonzales, Goliad, and San Antonio were important to the Texan forces. Finally, they use evidence from the lesson to explain the significance of the capture of San Antonio.
The First Texas Government
Students learn about the opposing groups at the Consultation and the compromise resolution, the Declaration of November 7, 1835. Then, the students explain the collapse of the provisional government. Finally, they write a speech from the point of view of one of the delegates to the Consultation.
The Battle of the Alamo
Students learn key facts about the Battle of the Alamo. Then they research some of the famous defenders, and examine both historical and legendary stories about them. Finally, they analyze Travis’s letter “To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World.”
The Surrender of Goliad
Students learn about James Fannin’s surrender at Goliad and the events that led to the execution of captured Texan soldiers. First, they examine causes and effects surrounding Fannin’s retreat, surrender, and the Goliad Massacre. Then they compare the events at Goliad with the Battle of the Alamo. Finally, they analyze the different views of General Urrea and President Santa Anna about how the captured Texan soldiers should be treated and explain one of those viewpoints using evidence from the lesson.
The Constitutional Convention of 1836
Students learn about the accomplishments of the Constitutional Convention of 1836 and they describe the grievances that led to it. Then they examine the structure of the Texas Declaration of Independence and translate a section of the document into their own words.
The Constitution of the Republic of Texas
Students learn about the Constitution adopted at the Constitutional Convention of 1836. First, they compare the Republic of Texas Constitution with the U.S. Constitution. Then they examine the responsibilities of the different political branches of the government as defined by the Constitution. Finally, they rewrite the preamble in their own words and analyze a right in the Declaration of Rights.
The Ad Interim Texas Government
Students learn about the Republic of Texas’s ad interim government and how it was formed. First, they identify President David Burnet and Vice President Lorenzo de Zavala. Then they analyze the impact of the Runaway Scrape. Finally, they write a letter to their families describing the situation in the area around Washington-on-the-Brazos.
The Battle of San Jacinto and Treaties of Velasco
Students learn about the Battle of San Jacinto and how the Texas army achieved victory. They identify similarities and differences between General Sam Houston and General Antonio López de Santa Anna. They analyze the Treaties of Velasco and identify that there was a public and secret treaty, both of which were broken by the parties.
Two Revolutions: Texan and American
Students review basic information about the Texas and American Revolutions and compare and contrast the two. Next, they explore the life and contributions of Tejano officer Juan Seguín. Finally, they write a letter from Seguín’s point of view that explains his reasons for supporting the Texas Revolution and connects his experience to similarities and differences between the Texas and American Revolutions.
