Students learn about the early battles of the Texas Revolution: the Battle of Gonzales, the Goliad Campaign of 1835, and the Siege of San Antonio. They explain the significance of these early Texas victories. Then they describe the San Antonio siege from the point of view of a Texan or a Mexican soldier.
Students read an introduction to the early battles of the Texas Revolution and review the lesson objectives. They examine an image of the “Come and Take It” flag from the Battle of Gonzales and respond to a prompt on a class wall explaining what they think the message of the flag is and what the words “come and take it” mean.
Teacher MovesClarify the lesson overview and objectives. Lead a discussion of student ideas about the flag’s message, explaining the historical context of the Gonzales cannon and how the slogan signaled the settlers’ refusal to surrender it and their willingness to fight the Mexican government.
Students read background text on the Battle of Gonzales and then read The Battle of Gonzales to learn why this confrontation is considered the first battle of the Texas Revolution. Using information from the article, they post a response on a class wall explaining why the battle was significant to the Texas Revolution.
Teacher MovesHighlight key points about the battle, including that it was the first clash of the Texas Revolution, that Texans forced a Mexican retreat and viewed it as a victory, that the First Army of Texas Volunteers formed under Stephen F. Austin, and that the event showed Texans were ready to fight for independence. Use student responses to reinforce these ideas.
Students read an explanation of the Goliad Campaign of 1835 and examine information about Presidio La Bahía, including its strategic location and the brief battle in which Texan troops captured the fort. They respond on a teacher-view wall explaining how the fights at Gonzales and Goliad, though minor militarily, played an important role in the Texas Revolution. They then read that the Texan battle cry became “On to San Antonio!”
Teacher MovesSelect and share strong student explanations to prompt class discussion. Emphasize how the early victories at Gonzales and Goliad boosted Texan morale, increased support for independence, and attracted volunteers from the United States, while also provoking greater Mexican military involvement that would later challenge the Texans.
Students read about the Siege of San Antonio (Siege of Béxar) and then read The Texan Army Captures San Antonio and The Siege and Capture of San Antonio to understand why capturing the town was a significant victory. They imagine themselves as either a Texan or Mexican soldier during the siege and write a journal entry describing events from their point of view, including the outcome of the battle and its impact on their army.
Teacher MovesInvite students to share selected journal entries, choosing at least one from each perspective—a Texan soldier and a Mexican soldier—to illustrate differing viewpoints on the siege and its consequences. Use these examples to deepen discussion of how the battle affected both sides.
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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