Mexico obtained its independence from Spain on a 11-year battle (1810-1821). In turn, Texas which originally was a territory part of Nueva España (as was Mexico called) during the colony era under Spain, had english speaking settlers arriving at the territory at the time. General Santa Anna, president of the newly indpendent Mexico, deemed that the situation represented a threat, and marched with a large army towards San Antonio de Bexar. A fierce battle was held, and the mexican army took the Alamo site.