Major Events in Texas and United States History

  • The War of 1812

    The War of 1812
    The war was fought over a disagreement between the United States and Great Britain. The United States started trading with France, which was at war with Great Britain, so Great Britain retaliated and had United States seamen taken off the US ships and had to fight in the Great Britain Royal Navy. Great Britain did not want trade with France and blocked their ports. The U.S. wanted them unblocked, Britain refused, and the U.S. waged war.
  • Treaty of Ghent

    Treaty of Ghent
    Treaty of Peace that ended the War of 1812. Great Britain relinquished the rights of the Northwest Territory, and both worked to end the slave trade. The United States gained influence in foreign affairs.
  • Come and Take It

    Come and Take It
    This was the beginning of the Revolution. This was the first battle that made a significant with Mexico since Texas wanted their statehood and Mexico wanted their small cannon back. So a flag was flown that said, "Come and Take It" along with the cannon. A small fight erupted and Mexico left but it was the start of the Revolution. This happened in Gonzales, Texas
  • 1836-The Battle of the Alamo

    1836-The Battle of the Alamo
    March 6, 1836, the Battle of the Alamo.
    Santa Anna ordered his troops to go to the Alamo. One thousand one hundred of Santa Anna of his men head the to the Alamo. Santa Anna Army About 400 people died that day; nearly half were Santa Anna's men. They went to the Alamo to be met with the rifles and cannons of the Texas defenders(240-260 people) defending the Alamo. This battle lasted less than 30 mins with the victory of Santa Anna's men.
  • 1836-Battle of San Jacinto

    1836-Battle of San Jacinto
    Santa Anna thought that Sam Houston wanted to avoid with Santa Anna's Army on April 21, 1836. That was not the case in mid-afternoon Sam Houston's men; about 1000 troops ambushed Santa Anna's camp. It took only 18 minutes for Sam Houston's men to concur with Santa Anna's camp. Six hundred Santa Anna's army died that day, and 208 were hurt. After this, Santa Anna's life was spared, and he ordered his remaining three armies back to Mexico.
  • 1845 — Texas is annexed by the US.

    1845 — Texas is annexed by the US.
    On 12/29/1845, Texas became the 28th state of the United States of America. Texas sought annexation for nearly a decade, but the United States refused to let them be a part of the country because of Texas' views on slavery. Photo from Texan news. The Annexation of Texas to the Union, painting by Donald M. Yena
  • 1846 — Mexican-American War

    1846 — Mexican-American War
    There was a dispute on the bounty lines between the United States and Texas. Mexico did not believe that Texas was a United States territory. President Polk knew how to provoke Mexico and make them angry. Z. Taylor entered the contested land. This was done to gain California and another land the United States wanted and to provoke a war. Mexican forces crossed the Matamoros River and opened fire, killing American soldiers. Polk declared war.
  • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

    Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
    Ended the war between the United States and Mexico. Mexico gave up claims to Texas and recognized the Rio Grande River as the southern boundary of the United States. Also, California and New Mexico to the norteamericanos. This cost the United States 18.25 million dollars for these regions and took about half of Mexico's territory. Also recognized the title of Texas. The war that led to this treaty brought the issue of slavery expansion into focus for the United States
  • CIVIL WAR

    CIVIL WAR
    The legislature voted in favor of an Ordinance of Secession, they wanted to have Sam Houston take the oath of the confederacy, and he refused. Governor Clark took his place, and when that happened, a war erupted between the north and the south. The Union won. Sam Houston was a slave owner, but it was more about State Rights. This battle lasted four years.
  • Juneteenth

    Juneteenth
    General Gordon Granger, on June 19, 1865, and declared that the Texas government's acts since 1861 were illegal. This freed all slaves. This happened in Galveston, Texas, and has been known as Juneteenth and celebrated by black Texans since—the day of emancipation.