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.
Students read an introduction explaining that the Battle of San Jacinto was the turning point of the Texas Revolution and that they will study the battle, its leaders, and the Treaties of Velasco. Using a two-column organizer, they record what they already know about Sam Houston and Antonio López de Santa Anna.
Teacher MovesPreview the experience by outlining the focus on the Battle of San Jacinto, the two generals, and the Treaties of Velasco. Lead a discussion of students’ prior knowledge about Houston and Santa Anna, highlighting accurate facts and clarifying misconceptions before moving on.
Students read background text on Sam Houston’s early life, leadership of the Texan army, and decision to retreat and regroup after the Alamo, then read Sam Houston to deepen their understanding of his role in the revolution. They then read about Antonio López de Santa Anna’s background, leadership style, and actions at the Alamo and Goliad, followed by Antonio López de Santa Anna to further explore his perspective and decisions. Using a Venn diagram, students compare and contrast the two generals and the roles they played in the Texas Revolution.
Teacher MovesClarify key details about each leader as students read, ensuring they understand Houston’s strategic retreat and Santa Anna’s reputation and political choices. Support students as they complete the Venn diagram by prompting them to identify specific similarities and differences, and, if needed, share example traits for each general and for both to model effective comparison.
Students read an explanation of the Battle of San Jacinto, including Houston’s preparation, the “Remember the Alamo. Remember Goliad.” speech, the use of the terrain, and the roles of Hendrick Arnold and William Goyens. They then learn more about the battle through the video and article titled The Battle of San Jacinto. Using a guided organizer, they answer main idea questions about key figures, timing of the attack, what happened to Houston and Santa Anna, and the outcome of Santa Anna’s capture. Finally, they post a response explaining why the Battle of San Jacinto was important for the Republic of Texas.
Teacher MovesEmphasize how strategy, geography, and support from individuals like Arnold and Goyens contributed to the Texan victory. Monitor students’ responses in the organizer, checking for accurate understanding of the battle’s events and consequences. Facilitate a discussion of students’ posts about the importance of the battle, reinforcing that it ended the Texas Revolution and led to peace treaties that secured Texas independence.
Students examine a description of the aftermath of the Battle of San Jacinto, including Santa Anna’s capture and the negotiation of the Treaties of Velasco. They read Treaties of Velasco and The Treaties of Velasco to understand the terms and purposes of the public and secret treaties, and view images and transcripts of the Public Treaty of Velasco and the Secret Treaty of Velasco to see the original documents and conditions. After noting that neither treaty was ultimately enacted, they write a paragraph explaining what the Republic of Texas could have done differently to help ensure the treaties were followed, supporting their ideas with evidence from this and other experiences.
Teacher MovesGuide students in identifying the key conditions of both the public and secret treaties and why each side failed to uphold them. Encourage students to connect the treaty terms to broader issues of power, trust, and enforcement. Invite volunteers to share strong or thought-provoking written responses with the class and use these to spark discussion about alternative actions the Republic of Texas might have taken.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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