The Texas Revolution began with battles like the one at Goliad, as tensions between Texans and the Mexican government boiled over. In November 1835, delegates met at San Felipe to discuss Texas’s future. While some Tejanos supported the revolt, most of the backing came from Anglo-American settlers, who now outnumbered Tejanos.

After capturing San Antonio, the Texans gained confidence, but their celebrations didn’t last long. The Texan government fell apart, and their forces were spread thin. When Santa Anna’s Mexican army approached, defenders of San Antonio took refuge in the Alamo. Led by William Travis, they held out but were ultimately defeated. The loss became a rallying cry for Texans: “Remember the Alamo!” Just weeks later, Sam Houston led Texan forces to a decisive victory at San Jacinto, ending the revolution in under a year.

On March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence. Its new Constitution resembled the U.S. Constitution but specifically legalized slavery. However, not all Americans supported annexing Texas because its large slave population could upset the balance between northern and southern states.

The Republic of Texas faced many challenges. Mexico continued to threaten its independence, Native American groups resisted settlers, and the economy struggled. Texas lacked funds to run its government and needed recognition from the United States for trade. President Andrew Jackson officially recognized Texas in 1837, but it wasn’t until 1845 that Congress finally annexed Texas, bringing relief and joy to Texans.

Source: Revolution and Republic, 1836–1845
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