Texas Revolution: Road to Revolution and Key Battles

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the events leading up to the Texas Revolution, the Battle of Gonzales, and the Battle of the Alamo.

Mexican Constitution of 1824

A federalist constitution adopted by Mexico in 1824 that granted Texans the right to make their own decisions and be self-governed, but concerned settlers because it did not allow slavery.

Fredonian Rebellion

An 1826 conflict where empresario Haden Edwards forced existing settlers off their land in Nacogdoches and attempted to declare independence, marking the first time Mexican rule was challenged.

Mier y Terán Report

An 1828–1829 report by General Mier y Terán stating that growing Anglo-American influence and disregard for Mexican laws could cause Mexico to lose control of Texas.

Law of April 6, 1830

Mexican legislation that banned further immigration from the United States, stopped the importation of enslaved people, and restricted future land grants strictly to Mexican and European settlers.

Turtle Bayou Resolutions

An 1832 declaration where Texas settlers stated support for the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and Santa Anna while opposing centralist policies in an effort to ease tensions.

Committees of Correspondence

Groups organized by Texans to share political and military information with one another as tensions escalated with the Mexican government.

Battle of Gonzales

The first battle of the Texas Revolution on October 2, where Texans refused to return a brass cannon provided for protection against Native American attacks and fired on Mexican soldiers.

"Come and Take It" flag

A flag flown by Texans at the Battle of Gonzales that dared Mexican soldiers to take their brass cannon, signaling the beginning of the Texas Revolution.

The Travis Letter

A letter written on February 24 by William B. Travis at the Alamo requesting reinforcements, stating "I shall never surrender or retreat," and signed "Victory or Death."

Battle of the Alamo

A 90-minute battle on March 6, 1836, following a 13-day siege, in which approximately 1,800 Mexican soldiers broke through on their third attack, killing all roughly 189 defenders.