Texas Revolution and the Civil War

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Texas Revolution and the Civil War.
Texas Revolution, also called the War of Texas Independence, was fought from October 1835 to April 1836. The war was between Mexico and Texas, and it resulted in Texas gaining independence from Mexico. It was then named the Republic of Texas (1836-1845). It started with the battle of the Gonzales and ended with the battle of San Jacinto. The Republic of Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821 and wanted to take over the northern region, where Texas was located. This region was scarcely populated by Mexicans, with most of the Apache and Comanche Native Americans. (Scheer)
The government of Mexico encouraged foreigners to settle there as its citizens were reluctant to establish settlements. Furthermore, the settlers were exempted from taxes and tariffs for seven years as per the Imperial Colonization Law (Davis). Although Mexico had banned slavery, American immigrants were allowed to keep their slaves and use them as laborers (Scheer). Green Dewitt and Moses Austin were given large tracts of land to bring three hundred families and establish a colony. Austin died in 1821, and Stephen Austin, his son, took over leadership and became the impresario of Texas.
In 1826, Austin led a militia to aid the Mexican military in suppressing the Freedonian Rebellion. An attempt to secure independence from Mexico had led to conflict between the old settlers and those who had been brought in favor of impresario Hayden Edwards. American immigrants were increasing, and this led the Mexican government to rule against further settlements. The suspended taxes and tariffs were reinstated in 1830 to discourage further settlement. This, among other issues, caused conflict between Texans and the officials of the Mexican government. The military force was sent to enforce the tariffs, causing the Anahuanic Disturbance of 1832. This, in turn, led to the Battle of Velasco, which the Texans won. During conventions held in 1832 and 1833, Texas colonists petitioned the Mexican government to extend the tax exemption, recognize Texas as a state, and repeal the law preventing Anglo-American immigration. Only the last petition was granted. Austin advised Texans to ignore this ruling causing him to be confined in Mexico City for one and a half years. He was then released in 1835, and by this time, Texas was ready for a full-scale rebellion (Davis).
On 2 October 1835, the Texas Revolution began with the battle of the Gonzales against Mexican forces under Santa Anna. Subsequent battles included the battle of Goliad, the battle of Concepcion, and the battle of Lipantitlan. Texas emerged victorio...