Standard 8.59 Lesson
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C HAPTER
Chapter 1. Standard 8.59 Lesson
1
Standard 8.59 Lesson
8.59 Describe American settlements in Texas after 1821 and the causes for the Texas War of Independence,
including the roles of David Crockett and Sam Houston in the war and the legacy of the Alamo. (G,H,P,TN)
***EXTENDED RESPONSE LESSON
The Lone Star Republic
( Pictured Above: Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas.)
At the time Spain granted independence to Mexico in 1821, the land now comprising the state of Texas was very
sparsely populated. The Mexican government actually encouraged the settlement of the area by American pioneers.
In 1823, STEPHEN AUSTIN led 300 American families onto land granted to his father by the Mexican government.
A prosperous province was greatly in the interest of Mexico, so no alarm was raised. Mexico was also interested in
creating a buffer zone between the Mexican heartland and the COMANCHE TRIBE.
There were, however, strings attached. The American settlers were expected to become Mexican. All immigrants
from the United States were by law forced to become Catholic. When the Mexican government outlawed slavery in
1829, it expected the Texans to follow suit. None of the conditions were met, and a great cultural war was underway.
FIGURE 1.1
Texas Revolution
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ke5Ml92_AU
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( Pictured Above: Today the Alamo is also known as the "Shrine of Texas Liberty.")In the hopes of easing tensions,
Stephen Austin journeyed to Mexico City in 1833. But the Mexican dictator, SANTA ANNA, was not the negotiating
type. Austin was simply thrown in jail. Although he was released after 18 months, relations between the Texans
and the Mexicans deteriorated. Finally in 1835, war broke out between Santa Anna’s troops and a ragtag group of
Texan revolutionaries. On March 2, 1836, representatives from Texas formally declared their independence. Four
days later, Santa Anna completed an infamous siege on the ALAMO mission.
FIGURE 1.2
The Alamo
Explore the Website of The Alamo
http://www.thealamo.org/
Despite a 13-day holdout, the 187 Texans were crushed by Santa Anna’s forces, which numbered 5000 strong.
The deaths of commander William Travis, Jim Bowie, and DAVY CROCKETT angered Americans as cries of
"REMEMBER THE ALAMO!" rang throughout the land. Americans flocked to Texas, and, led by commander
SAM HOUSTON, defeated Santa Anna’s forces. On May 14, 1836, Santa Anna grudgingly recognized Texan
independence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq1tbaR9g3Q
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Chapter 1. Standard 8.59 Lesson
( Pictured Above: On March 1, 1836, while the Battle of the Alamo raged miles away, 59 men signed Texas’s
Declaration of Independence.)
Texan-Americans were not the only ones fighting for independence. The TEJANO people, Spanish-speaking settlers
of Texas, also supported the TEXAS REVOLUTION. They had hoped for greater control over their local affairs.
They fought side-by-side with Houston’s troops against Santa Anna’s soldiers. After the war, there was quite a bit
of disillusionment. The Americans who swarmed into Texas did not distinguish between Tejanos and Mexicans. In
the decade that followed, the Tejanos found themselves shut out of the new Texas government as well.
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FIGURE 1.3
Most TEXAN-AMERICANS wanted to be annexed by the United States. They feared that the Mexican government
might soon try to recapture their land. Many had originally come from the American south and had great interest
in becoming a southern state. President Andrew Jackson saw trouble. Many Whigs and Abolitionists in the North
refused to admit another slave state to the Union. Rather than risk tearing the nation apart over this controversial
issue, Jackson did not pursue annexation. The Lone Star flag flew proudly over the LONE STAR REPUBLIC for
nine years. Texas was an independent country.
This is a link to more information about Davy Crockett:
http://www.tnhistoryforkids.org/people/david_crockett
This is a link to more information about Sam Houston:
http://www.tnhistoryforkids.org/people/sam_houston
David Crockett
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Chapter 1. Standard 8.59 Lesson
FIGURE 1.4
FIGURE 1.5
Singing Texas History
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KudI9F32XPQ
Ballad of Davy Crockett
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txcRQedoEyY
Biography Channel Presents David Crockett
http://www.biography.com/people/davy-crockett-9261693
FIGURE 1.6
Tennessee History for Kids and David Crockett
http://www.tnhistoryforkids.org/people/david_crockett
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In Search of David Crockett
http://www.tnhistoryforkids.org/insearchof/david_crockett
http://mrnussbaum.com/pioneers/davy_crockett/
Sam Houston
FIGURE 1.7
Sam Houston - The Father of Texas Independence
Biography Channel Presents Sam Houston
http://www.biography.com/people/sam-houston-9344806
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Chapter 1. Standard 8.59 Lesson
Tennessee History for Kids and Sam Houston
http://www.tnhistoryforkids.org/people/sam_houston
YouTube - Sam Houston Lives On
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOZttvW1tqY
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