Sources of the Texas Revolution, Conventions of 1832 and 1833, early battles, Battle of the Alamo, Goliad and San Jacinto, establishing an interim government.
Texas Revolution unit contains 13 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Texas Revolution Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
The Mexican Government Asserts Control over Anglo Texas
Students learn about the Mexican Constitution of 1824. They describe three events that were precursors to the Texas Revolution—the Fredonia Rebellion, the Mier y Terán Report, and the Law of April 6, 1830. They identify how these events led to the Mexican government's fear of a rebellion and the Anglos' frustration with the government.
Sources of the Texas Revolution
Students learn about continued settler disgruntlement with the central Mexican government and they summarize the message of the Turtle Bayou Resolutions. Next they identify reasons why the settlers became disenchanted with President Santa Anna and his government. Finally, they consider the role of the United States in instigating the Texas Revolution.
The Conventions of 1832 and 1833
Students learn about the Conventions of 1832 and 1833 and the resolutions passed by each group. Then, they explore the arrest of Stephen F. Austin by the Mexican government and write a letter in his defense.
The Early Battles
Students learn about the early battles of the Texas Revolution: the Battle of Gonzales, the Goliad Campaign of 1835, and the Siege of San Antonio. They explain the significance of these early Texas victories. Then they describe the San Antonio siege from the point of view of a Texan or a Mexican soldier.
The First Texas Government
Students learn about the opposing groups at the Consultation and the compromise resolution, the Declaration of November 7, 1835. Then, the students explain the collapse of the provisional government. Finally, they write a speech from the point of view of one of the delegates to the Consultation.
The Battle of the Alamo
Students learn key facts about the Battle of the Alamo. Then they research some of the famous defenders, and examine both historical and legendary stories about them. Finally, they analyze Travis's letter "To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World."
The Surrender of Goliad
Students learn about James Fannin's surrender at Goliad. First they learn about the events leading up to the surrender and the massacre that followed it, identifying causes and effects of the events. Then they identify similarities and differences between the Battle of the Alamo and the surrender at Goliad. Finally, they write a letter about the fate of the captured Texans from the view point of General Urrea (requested clemency for them) or Santa Anna (ordered them executed).
The Constitutional Convention of 1836
Students learn about the accomplishments of the Constitutional Convention of 1836 and they describe the grievances that led to it. Then they examine the structure of the Texas Declaration of Independence and translate a section of the document into their own words.
The Constitution of the Republic of Texas
Students learn about the Constitution adopted at the Constitutional Convention of 1836. First, they compare the Republic of Texas Constitution with the U.S. Constitution. Then they examine the responsibilities of the different political branches of the government as defined by the Constitution. Finally, they rewrite the preamble in their own words and analyze a right in the Declaration of Rights.
The Ad Interim Texas Government
Students learn about the Republic of Texas's ad interim government and how it was formed. First, they identify President David Burnet and Vice President Lorenzo de Zavala. Then they analyze the impact of the Runaway Scrape. Finally, they write a letter to their families describing the situation in the area around Washington-on-the-Brazos.
The Battle of San Jacinto and Treaties of Velasco
Students learn about the Battle of San Jacinto and how the Texas army achieved victory. They identify similarities and differences between General Sam Houston and General Antonio López de Santa Anna. They analyze the Treaties of Velasco and identify that there was a public and secret treaty, both of which were broken by the parties.
Two Revolutions: Texan and American
Students review basic information about the Texan and American Revolutions. Then, they compare and contrast the two. Next, they explore the life of Tejano officer Juan Seguín. Finally, they write a letter from a veteran of the Revolutionary War to his grandson who is considering volunteering for the Texan Army.
