- In 1821 Mexico won independence from Spain. At that time, northern Mexico included now-day Texas, New Mexico, and California.
- By 1835 about 25,000 Americans lived in this area. They complained about Mexican laws. They also wanted slavery, which was illegal in Mexico, to be legal.
- In December 1835 a force of 500 Texans attacked the town of San Antonio. Within days, they took control of the Alamo.
- On March 6, 1836, General Santa Anna, the leader of Mexico, recaptured the Alamo after an almost two-week battle. All of the American soldiers were killed.
- the Texans fought back again. A month later, General Sam Houston surprised a larger Mexican force at Houston. The Texans defeated Santa Anna.
- In 1845 President James Polk offered to buy the Mexican territories of California and New Mexico for $30 million. When Mexico refused, President Polk asked the U.S. Congress for a declaration of war against Mexico, and Congress agreed.
Credits:
Created with images by tpsdave - "the alamo night evening"