The causes and the course of the Texas Revolution, and the short-lived Republic of Texas
Revolution and Republic of Texas unit contains 8 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Revolution and Republic of Texas Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
Causes of the Texas Revolution
Students list as a class what they know about the conflict between Texas and Mexico prior to 1836. Then they learn how the steps taken by President Santa Anna contributed to the conflict. Next they examine the significance of the Battle of Gonzales to the Texas Revolution. Finally they analyze the message of the famous flag, “Come and Take It.”
The Battle of the Alamo
Students brainstorm names of defenders at the Alamo. Then they examine details about the battle and summarize its outcome. Next they research one of the defenders and write a short report. Finally they compare how the Alamo looked in 1836 to how it looks today, and they conclude why the Alamo has remained such an important symbol of the Texas Revolution.
Texas Declares Independence
Students explain the meaning of “to declare independence” for a second grader. Then they examine the structure and main purpose of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Next they paraphrase two paragraphs of the Declaration in their own words. Finally, they read about the Runaway Scrape and develop a position on the Texas government’s flight.
Victory at the Battle of San Jacinto
Students brainstorm examples of turning points in their personal lives. Then they watch a video and read about the Battle of San Jacinto. Next they view a map of the Republic of Texas borders and explain why the Battle of San Jacinto was important. Finally they learn about the two commanders—Sam Houston and Santa Anna—and summarize their contributions to the Texas Revolution.
Sam Houston: Republic of Texas President
Students brainstorm tasks facing Sam Houston and the Texas government in order to build the new nation. Then they learn about some of the problems facing the Republic and predict how these issues affected the stability of the new nation. Next students learn some basic economic concepts in order to understand the Republic’s debt; you may choose to skip this scene. Finally, students read two stories about Sam Houston and write a question that they would like to ask him.
Native American Relations in the Republic of Texas
Students first review the names of Indian tribes that lived in Texas. Then they examine Sam Houston’s policy toward the Texas tribes. Next they analyze the effect of Mirabeau Lamar’s Indian policy on the Texas national debt. Finally they learn about the Texas Rangers and write a diary entry for one of these lawmen.
Life in the Republic of Texas
Students brainstorm the names of the different capital cities of the Republic of Texas. Then they read about life in general in the Republic of Texas and take notes in a graphic organizer. Then they study a graph comparing the numbers of slaves and free African Americans in the Republic. Finally they read an article and write a letter in the name of a teen living in Texas during this period.
