Texas Revolution: 5 Major Events (1835–1836)

The Texas Revolution (Oct 1835 – Apr 1836) transformed Mexican Texas into the Republic of Texas. Five pivotal events:

1. Battle of Gonzales – Oct 2, 1835

"Come and Take It." Mexican troops demanded return of a cannon loaned for Comanche defense. Texians refused, fired the first shot. Mexicans withdrew. Psychological turning point: open rebellion begun.

2. Convention of 1836 – Mar 1–17, 1836 (Washington-on-the-Brazos)

59 delegates declared independence March 2, drafted constitution (modeled on US, but protected slavery), elected interim government (Burnet president, Houston commander). Birth of the Republic.

3. Battle of the Alamo – Feb 23 – Mar 6, 1836

~185–260 Texians (Travis, Bowie, Crockett) vs. ~1,800–6,000 Mexicans (Santa Anna). 13-day siege. All defenders killed. "Remember the Alamo!" became rallying cry. Strategic delay bought time for Houston's army.

4. Runaway Scrape – Mar–Apr 1836

Terrified settlers fled east before Santa Anna's advance. Government archives moved. Houston retreated, trained army. Chaos, suffering, but preserved civilian population and gave Houston time.

5. Battle of San Jacinto – Apr 21, 1836

18 minutes. Houston's ~900 men surprised Santa Anna's ~1,300 during siesta. 630 Mexicans killed, 730 captured (incl. Santa Anna), 9 Texians dead. Santa Anna signed Treaties of Velasco (public: ceasefire, withdrawal; secret: recognition of Rio Grande border). Decisive victory.

Aftermath

Republic of Texas existed 1836–1845. Annexation by US triggered Mexican–American War (1846–48). The revolution's legacy: Texas identity, border disputes, and the Alamo as global symbol of defiant sacrifice.