Texas War of Independence

Texas War of Independence a war that arose over disputes concerning the governing of Texas. Local Mexican and Anglo residents resisted and resented the incompetent and remote administration from Mexico City. The right to import slaves was a key issue for the Texans and was opposed by the Mexican government. Fighting first broke out in October, 1835 between troops sent by the Mexican government and Texans. Forces of Texans were hastily organized and not very well prepared, but had admirable leadership under Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston. The battle of the Alamo, in which the nearly 200 Texans defending were all killed, was the rallying point of the war. Tactical errors on the part of Antonio López de Santa Anna led to his finally being defeated at San Jacinto. He was captured and signed a treaty pledging recognition of Texas as a republic, though the Mexican congress repudiated this. Eight years later, annexation of Texas by the United States led to the Mexican War (1846–48).