Question

What were the Mexican troops and Santa Ana doing when Sam Houston and the Texans attacked

Answer 1

The Mexican troops and Santa Anna were taking an afternoon nap when they were surprised by Sam Houston's Texan forces during the Battle of San Jacinto, leading to a quick defeat and capture of Mexican soldiers, including Santa Anna. This pivotal battle was instrumental in securing the independence of the Lone Star Republic from Mexico.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Sam Houston and the Texans attacked, Mexican troops under General Antonio López de Santa Anna and himself were caught off guard during an afternoon nap on the banks of the San Jacinto River on April 21, 1836. In the backdrop of prior events, Santa Anna's troops had executed the surrendering Texans at the Alamo and Goliad, leading to a surge of desire for retribution among the Texan forces. Sam Houston had retreated across Texas, collecting recruits, despite a desire for vengeance.

The Texans were motivated by memories of these losses and attacked Santa Anna's encampment with full vigor, leveraging the element of surprise. Cries of "Remember the Alamo!" bolstered their morale as they engaged in the Battle of San Jacinto, decisively defeating the Mexican forces within fifteen minutes. Approximately half of Santa Anna's troops were killed, and the rest, including Santa Anna himself, were taken prisoner.

In the larger context, this victory proved pivotal for the Texans. It effectively concluded the Texas Revolution, leading to the Treaties of Velasco, under which Santa Anna agreed to the independence of the Lone Star Republic, although he later contested the agreements after returning to Mexico. Nonetheless, the Battle of San Jacinto stands as a seminal event in Texas history, shaping the region's path towards eventual statehood within the United States.

Answer 2

This Day In History: William Herschel discovers Uranus, March 13, 1781

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ART, LITERATURE, AND FILM HISTORY

2005

Disney names Robert Iger as new chief executive

Step-by-step explanation: