Final answer:
Sam Houston was critical to Texas achieving independence from Mexico, as he led the Texas military, including the victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, and later became the first president of the independent Lone Star Republic.
Step-by-step explanation:
One significant individual in achieving Texas independence was Sam Houston. As a former soldier, congressman, and governor of Tennessee, Houston was appointed to lead the nascent Texas military in its struggle for independence from Mexico. Houston's leadership was pivotal in the success of the Texas Revolution, which included a series of battles against the Mexican forces led by Antonio López de Santa Anna. His most notable achievement was at the Battle of San Jacinto, where his forces captured Santa Anna, which led to Texas securing its independence in 1836.
After the revolution, Sam Houston's role continued to be crucial as he was elected the first president of the Lone Star Republic. Under his presidency, Texas solidified its function as a sovereign nation despite the looming threat of Mexican attempts to reclaim it. Houston's support for the annexation of Texas to the United States helped to shape the future of Texas as part of the Union. The eventual annexation played a role in the onset of the Mexican-American War due to border disputes.