Texas Revolution

Quick Facts: Who was Texas Revolution?

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Texas Revolution

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The 1835–1836 rebellion leading to the establishment and eventual annexation of the Republic of Texas.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Texas Revolution (October 2, 1835 – April 21, 1836) was a rebellion by Anglo-American immigrants as well as Hispanic Texans (known as Texians and Tejanos respectively) against the centralist government of Mexico in the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. Although the uprising was part of a larger revolt that included other provinces opposed to the regime of President Miguel Barragán and General Antonio López de Santa Anna, the Mexican government believed the United States had instigated the Texas insurrection with the goal of annexation. The Mexican Congress passed the Tornel Decree, declaring that any foreigners fighting against Mexican troops "will be deemed pirates and dealt with as such, being citizens of no nation presently at war with the Republic and fighting under no recognized flag". Only the province of Texas succeeded in breaking with Mexico, establishing the Republic of Texas. It was eventually annexed by the United States about a decade later.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The revolution began in October 1835, after a decade of political and cultural clashes between the Mexican government and the large and growing population of Anglo-American settlers in Texas. The Mexican government had become increasingly centralized, stripping Texas of its autonomy. The rights of its citizens had become further curtailed in turn, particularly regarding immigration from the United States, and the holding of slaves as property. Mexico had officially abolished slavery in 1829, but had made an exemption for Texas, however this exemption was not constitutionalized, which made many slave owners in Texas still feel unsatisfied. Although slavery is not mentioned explicitly in the Texas Declaration of Independence, the ownership of human beings in bondage as property was of great importance to many of the settlers.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Texians and Tejanos disagreed on whether the ultimate goal was independence or a return to the Mexican Constitution of 1824. While delegates at the Consultation (provisional government) debated the war's motives, Texians and a flood of volunteers from the United States defeated the small garrisons of Mexican soldiers by mid-December 1835. The Consultation declined to declare independence and installed an interim government, whose infighting led to political paralysis and a dearth of effective governance in Texas. An ill-conceived proposal to invade Matamoros siphoned much-needed volunteers and provisions from the fledgling Texian Army. In March 1836, a second political convention declared independence and appointed leadership for the new Republic of Texas.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1824: 1824 Milestone — Texians and Tejanos disagreed on whether the ultimate goal was independence or a return to the Mexican Constitution of 1824.
2. 1829: 1829 Milestone — Mexico had officially abolished slavery in 1829, but had made an exemption for Texas, however this exemption was not constitutionalized, which made many slave owners in Texas still feel unsatisfied.
3. 1835: 1835 Milestone — The Texas Revolution (October 2, 1835 – April 21, 1836) was a rebellion by Anglo-American immigrants as well as Hispanic Texans (known as Texians and Tejanos respectively) against the centralist government of Mexico in the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.
4. 1836: 1836 Milestone — In March 1836, a second political convention declared independence and appointed leadership for the new Republic of Texas.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Texas Revolution

True or False: “Did the Mexican government immediately recognize the independence declared by the Texians after the Battle of San Jacinto?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Mexico refused to recognize the Republic of Texas's independence, leading to continued intermittent conflicts into the 1840s.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adah Isaacs Menken — Historical peer (Born in 1835) (1835): American actress, painter, and poet known for sensational stage performances.
• Adolf von Baeyer — Historical peer (Born in 1835) (1835): Pioneering German chemist known for indigo synthesis and IUPAC nomenclature.
• Aaron Burr — Historical peer (Died in 1836) (1836): American politician, lawyer, and statesman known for his role in the Jeffersonian era.
• André-Marie Ampère — Historical peer (Died in 1836) (1836): Founder of classical electromagnetism; inventor of the solenoid and electrical telegraph.
• Alexander Griboyedov — Historical peer (Died in 1829) (1829): Russian diplomat, playwright, and poet, best known for 'Woe from Wit'
• Antonio Guzmán Blanco — Historical peer (Born in 1829) (1829): Venezuelan statesman and military leader who served multiple presidential terms.
• Agustín de Iturbide — Historical peer (Died in 1824) (1824): Mexican military officer and politician who became the first Emperor of Mexico.
• Alexandre Dumas fils — Historical peer (Born in 1824) (1824): Master French playwright and novelist, celebrated for 'The Lady of the Camellias'.

Frequently Asked Questions about Texas Revolution