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104-536: As Santa Anna's army approached the Alamo February 19, 1836, William Travis dispatched John Johnson to Goliad for reinforcement from James Fannin . He also dispatched John Smith and Dr. James Sutherland to Gonzales with a letter for the Alcade Andrew Ponton: "The enemy in large force is in sight. We want men and provisions. Send them to us. We have 150 men and are determined to defend

208-694: A customs house . However, Iturbide subsequently removed Santa Anna from the post, prompting Santa Anna to rise in rebellion in December 1822 against Iturbide. He already had significant power in his home region of Veracruz, and "he was well along the path to becoming the regional caudillo ." Santa Anna claimed in his Plan of Veracruz that he rebelled because Iturbide had dissolved the Constituent Congress. He also promised to support free trade with Spain, an important principle for his home region of Veracruz. Although Santa Anna's initial rebellion

312-492: A battery on the opposite side of the river at a distance of four hundred yards from our wall. During this period the enemy have been busily employed in encircling us in with entrenched encampments on all sides, at the following distance, to wit : In Bejar, four hundred yards west; in Lavilleta, three hundred yards south; at the powder house, one thousand yards east of south; on the ditch, eight hundred yards northeast, and at

416-513: A cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of Patriotism and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid with all dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like

520-597: A deal. Once back in Mexico at the head of an army, however, Santa Anna reneged on the deal and took up arms against the U.S. invasion. With no path now for a quick resolution to the conflict in the north, Polk authorized an invasion to take Mexico City, redirecting the bulk of General Zachary Taylor 's troops to General Winfield Scott 's army. Santa Anna mobilized troops and artillery and rapidly marched north. His forces outnumbered Taylor's, but his troops were exhausted, ill-clothed, hungry and equipped with inferior weapons when

624-602: A force of 2,600 troops. Santa Anna marched against the Barradas Expedition with a much smaller force and defeated the Spaniards, many of whom were suffering from yellow fever. The defeat of the Spanish Army not only firmly established Santa Anna as a national hero but also consolidated the independence of the new Mexican republic. From this point forward, Santa Anna styled himself the "Victor of Tampico" and

728-474: A lack of proper clothing and food shortages. Stretching a supply line far longer than ever before, there were not enough horses, mules, cattle and wagons available, resulting in units never having enough food, fuel, or feed. The medical facilities were minimal and poorly supplied. Morale sank as soldiers realized there were not enough chaplains to properly bury their bodies. Hostile Indians picked off stragglers and foragers. Waterborne sicknesses spread quickly when

832-465: A lawyer; his mother was Manuela Pérez de Lebrón y Cortés (died 1814). Santa Anna's family prospered in Veracruz, where the merchant class dominated politics. His paternal uncle, Ángel López de Santa Anna, was a public clerk ( escribano ) and became aggrieved when the town council of Veracruz prevented him from moving to Mexico City to advance his career. Since the late 18th-century Bourbon Reforms ,

936-580: A marsh; the general had hastily dressed himself in a dead Mexican dragoon's uniform but was quickly recognized. After three weeks in captivity. Texas President David G. Burnet and Santa Anna signed the Treaties of Velasco stating that "in his official character as chief of the Mexican nation, he acknowledged the full, entire, and perfect Independence of the Republic of Texas." In exchange, Burnet and

1040-588: A moment's delay to the aid of your besieged countrymen! Governor Henry Smith Travis dispatched his final letter to the President David G. Burnet on March 3: Commandancy of the Alamo Bejar, March 3d 1836. Sir : In the present confusion of the political authorities of the country, and in the absence of the commander-in-chief, I beg leave to communicate to you the situation of this garrison. You have doubtless already seen my official report of

1144-547: A promoter of federal republicanism. Although Santa Anna was believed to be a supporter of the Scottish Rite conservatives, and Santa Anna was himself a member of the Scottish Rite, in the Montaño rebellion he eventually threw his support to the liberals. In his home state of Veracruz, the governor had thrown his support to the rebels, and in the aftermath of the rebellion's failure, Santa Anna as vice-governor stepped into

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1248-720: A short war." George C. Kimble George C. Kimble (alternately spelled Kimbell or Kimball, March 6, 1803 – March 6, 1836) was the commander of the Immortal 32 who died at the Battle of the Alamo . Kimble County in the hill country of Texas is named in his honor. George C. Kimble was born in 1803 in Beechwoods, Pennsylvania to Chester Kimble and Lucy Satterlee Kimble. During his childhood his family moved to upstate New York and then to St. Clair County, Michigan. In 1825 at

1352-442: A soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country. Victory or death. William Barrett Travis, Lt. Col. Comdt. P. S. The Lord is on our side. When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn. We have since found in deserted houses 80 to 100 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves. Ponton received the first letter on February 24. He mobilized George Kimble , commander of

1456-480: A sufficient call upon you without saying more. However secure, however fortunate, our garrison may be, they have not the provisions nor the ammunition to stand more than a thirty days' siege at farthest. I call upon you as an officer, I implore you as a man, to fly to the aid of your besieged countrymen and not permit them to be massacred by a mercenary foe. I slight none! The call is upon ALL who are able to bear arms, to rally without one moment's delay, or in fifteen days

1560-403: A test case for liberalism. At this point, Santa Anna was a liberal; by giving the moderate Gómez Farías responsibility for the reforms, he could have plausible deniability and closely monitor the reaction to a comprehensive attack on the special privileges of the army and the church, as well as confiscation of church wealth, enacted by Congress. In May 1834, Santa Anna ordered the disarmament of

1664-507: Is disputed. It was likely coined and came into popular use after the release of The Immortal Alamo in 1911. The Gonzales Memorial Museum was dedicated in 1936 for the Texas Centennial . Among its exhibits is The Immortal 32 Centennial Monument , a tall tapered shaft of pink Texas granite with a bronze sculpture by Raoul Josset . The sculpture depicts an allegorical figure supporting the Alamo above his head. Two flagpoles flank

1768-423: Is low tonight and many of the men have finished their joy at us, the "Immortal 32". Many rejoiced, though at the suggestion of one Colonel William Travis that sleep was commendable. Indeed we are all tired, as the day has been long for the defenders, and for us, the 32, the fatigue of sneaking past Mexican guard was indeed high. We hope to commence a new attack fresh in the morning tomorrow. At the sight of us, many of

1872-500: Is not true, as I have repeatedly sent to him for aid without receiving any. Colonel Bonham, my special messenger, arrived at La Bahia fourteen days ago, with a request for aid; and on arrival of the enemy in Bejar, ten days ago, I sent an express to Colonel F., which arrived at Goliad on the next day, urging him to send us reinforcements; none have yet arrived. I look to the colonies alone for aid; unless it arrives soon, I shall have to fight

1976-504: Is very true that I threw up my cap for liberty with great ardor, and perfect sincerity, but very soon found the folly of it. A hundred years to come my people will not be fit for liberty. They do not know what it is, unenlightened as they are, and under the influence of Catholic clergy, a despotism is a proper government for them, but there is no reason why it should not be a wise and virtuous one." After some time in exile, and after meeting U.S. President Andrew Jackson in 1837, Santa Anna

2080-679: The Mexican War of Independence , which entailed fighting the insurgency before switching sides against the crown, presaged his many shifts in allegiance during his later political career. In June 1810, the 16-year-old Santa Anna joined the Fijo de Veracruz infantry regiment. In September of that year, secular cleric Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla sparked a spontaneous mass uprising in the Bajío , Mexico's rich agricultural area. Although some creole elites had chafed as their upward mobility had been thwarted by

2184-627: The Pastry War . The Mexican government gave Santa Anna control of the army and ordered him to defend the nation by any means necessary. Santa Anna engaged the French at Veracruz but was forced to retreat after a failed assault, sustaining injuries in his left leg and hand by cannon fire. His shattered ankle required amputation of much of his leg, which he ordered buried with full military honors. Despite Mexico's final capitulation to French demands, Santa Anna used his war service and visible sacrifice to

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2288-600: The Republic of the Rio Grande , the Republic of Yucatán , and the Republic of Texas . Their fierce resistance was possibly fueled by Santa Anna's reprisals committed against his defeated enemies. The New York Post editorialized that "had Santa Anna treated the vanquished with moderation and generosity, it would have been difficult if not impossible to awaken that general sympathy for the people of Texas which now impels so many adventurous and ardent spirits to throng to

2392-580: The Second French Intervention in Mexico , and the establishment of the Second Mexican Empire . An elderly Santa Anna was allowed to return to the nation by President Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada in 1874, and he died in relative obscurity in 1876. Historians debate the exact number of his presidencies, as he would often share power and make use of puppet rulers ; biographer Will Fowler gives the figure of six terms while

2496-523: The Spanish crown had favored peninsular-born Spaniards over American-born; young Santa Anna's family was affected by the growing disgruntlement of creoles whose upward mobility was thwarted. Santa Anna's mother favored her son's choice of a military career, supporting his desire to join the Spanish Army , rather than be a shopkeeper as his father preferred. His mother's friendly relationship with

2600-693: The Texas State Historical Association claims five. Historian of Latin America, Alexander Dawson counts eleven times that Santa Anna assumed the presidency, often for short periods. The University of Texas Libraries cites the same figure of eleven times, but adds Santa Anna was only president for six years due to short terms. Santa Anna's legacy has subsequently come to be viewed as profoundly negative, with historians and many Mexicans ranking him as "the principal inhabitant even today of Mexico's black pantheon of those who failed

2704-498: The Texian Militia Gonzales Ranger Company, who mustered his unit and waited for Fannin; who also received the first letter on February 24. On February 26, Fannin departed Goliad for the Alamo with 320 men, 4 cannon, and several supply wagons. After repeated disasters, Fannin abandoned the mission and returned to Goliad. On February 27, Kimble departed with his unit for the Alamo. Ponton received

2808-458: The intendant (governor) of Veracruz secured Santa Anna's military appointment despite the fact that he was underage. His parents' marriage produced seven children, four sisters and two brothers, and Santa Anna was close to his sister Francisca and brother Manuel, who also joined the army. Santa Anna's origins on Mexico's eastern coast had important ramifications for his military career, as he had developed immunity from yellow fever , endemic to

2912-741: The "Age of Santa Anna". Santa Anna was in charge of the garrison at Veracruz at the time Mexico won independence in 1821. He would go on to play a notable role in the fall of the First Mexican Empire , the fall of the First Mexican Republic , the promulgation of the Constitution of 1835 , the establishment of the Centralist Republic of Mexico , the Texas Revolution , the Pastry War ,

3016-515: The "Savior of the Patria". His main act of self-promotion was to call himself the " Napoleon of the West". Three months later, in December 1829, Vice-president Anastasio Bustamante , a conservative, mounted a successful coup d'etat against President Guerrero, who left Mexico City to lead a counter-rebellion in the south. Guerrero was captured and executed after a summary trial in 1831, which shocked

3120-434: The "absentee president". Vice-president Valentín Gómez Farías took over the responsibility of governing the nation while Santa Anna retired to Manga de Clavo , his hacienda in Veracruz. Gómez Farías was a moderate, but he had a radical liberal congress with which to contend, perhaps a reason that Santa Anna left executive power to him. Mexico was faced with an empty treasury and an 11 million peso debt incurred by

3224-418: The "protector of the federation". Representatives from San Luis Potosí and other north-central regions, such as Michoacán , Querétaro , and Guanajuato , met to decide their own position towards the federation. Santa Anna pledged his military forces to the protection of these key areas. "He attempted, in other words, to co-opt the movement, the first of many examples in his long career where he placed himself as

Immortal 32 - Misplaced Pages Continue

3328-646: The Alamo defenders we shall meet sure death. completely yours, Isaac On March 6, the final assault of the siege , the Battle of the Alamo , commenced at 5:00 am. By 6:30 am, 257 of the 260 defenders, including all of the "Immortal 32", had been killed. Their bodies were stacked and burned. Sources Other individual Texians who answered Travis' letter and died at the Alamo: Daniel Bourne, 26; George Brown, 35; Jerry C. Day, 20; Andrew Duvalt, 32; John Harris, 23; William J. Lightfoot, 25; Marcus L. Sewell, 31; Amos Pollard, 33 The origin of Immortal 32

3432-457: The Alamo to the last. Give us assistance." William Barrett Travis Lt. Col. Comdt. That night, Santa Anna sent General Ventura Mora's cavalry to encircle to the North and East corners of the Alamo to prevent the arrival of reinforcements. On February 24, Travis dispatched Albert Martin to Gonzales with a second letter for Andrew Ponton: Commandancy of the Alamo, Bexar, Feby. 24th, 1836. To

3536-2176: The Alamo. Daniel Bourne, 26; George Brown, 35; Jerry C. Day, 20; Almaron Dickerson, 26; Andrew Duvalt, 32; John Harris, 23; Wm. J. Lightfoot, 25; Marcus L. Sewell, 31; Amos Pollard, 33. Survivors of the Alamo Massacre, Mrs. Almaron Dickerson and baby daughter, of Gonzales. WILLIAM E. SUMMERS (March 29, 1811 – March 6, 1836) WILLIAM E. SUMMERS IS INEXTRICABLY TIED TO TEXAS HISTORY THROUGH HIS INVOLVEMENT WITH THE ELECTION TO NAME DELEGATES TO THE TEXAS INDEPENDENCE CONVENTION AND IN THE FALL OF THE ALAMO AS ONE OF THE IMMORTAL 32. SUMMERS FAMILY HISTORY CAN BE TRACED TO 17TH CENTURY MARYLAND AND SUBSEQUENT MIGRATIONS INTO OTHER STATES. WILLIAM E. SUMMERS WAS BORN IN EDGEFIELD COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA TO JESSE SUMMERS (c.1777-1837) AND SARAH "SALLY" COATE(S) SUMMERS (c.1779-1841). AROUND 1820, THE FAMILY MOVED TO CLARKE COUNTY, ALABAMA. IT IS BELIEVED THAT WILLIAM CAME TO TEXAS AROUND 1832. ON FEBRUARY 12, 1835, WILLIAM SUMMERS PETITIONED THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT FOR A LAND GRANT AND, ON MAY 1, 1835, HE RECEIVED TITLE TO A QUARTER LEAGUE SITUATED ON THE LAVACA RIVER IN THE DEWITT COLONY. SIMILARLY, HENRY C.G. SUMMERS (1804-1853), WILLIAM'S BROTHER, WAS GRANTED A FULL LEAGUE OF LAND THE SAME DAY. BOTH MEN PARTICIPATED IN THE REVOLUTION FOR TEXAS INDEPENDENCE. WILLIAM AND HENRY VOTED IN THE ELECTION HELD ON FEBRUARY 1, 1836 TO NAME DELEGATES TO THE TEXAS INDEPENDENCE CONVENTION THAT BEGAN ON MARCH 1, 1836 AT WASHINGTON-ON-THE-BRAZOS. WILLIAM MUSTERED INTO SERVICE AS A TEXAS RANGER IN THE GONZALES RANGER COMPANY OF MOUNTED VOLUNTEERS ON FEBRUARY 23, 1836. THE VOLUNTEERS DEPARTED GONZALES ON FEBRUARY 25, 1836 TO AID THE ALAMO DEFENDERS. THEY ARRIVED AT THE ALAMO ON MARCH 1, 1836. WILLIAM E. SUMMERS PERISHED AT THE ALAMO ON MARCH 6, 1836 ALONG WITH THE OTHER MEN WHO DIED FOR TEXAS INDEPENDENCE. Antonio L%C3%B3pez de Santa Anna Antonio de Padua María Severino López de Santa Anna y Pérez de Lebrón , usually known as Antonio López de Santa Anna ( Spanish pronunciation: [anˈtonjo ˈlopes ðe sanˈtana] ; 21 February 1794 – 21 June 1876), or just Santa Anna ,

3640-574: The Bourbon Reforms, the Hidalgo Revolt saw most creoles favoring continued crown rule. In particular, Santa Anna's family "saw themselves as aligned to the peninsular elite, whom they served, and were in turn recognized as belonging". Initially Santa Anna, like most creole military officers, fought for the crown against the mixed-raced insurgents for independence; his commanding officer was Colonel José Joaquín de Arredondo . In 1811 he

3744-553: The Bustamante government. Gómez Farías could not cut back on the bloated expenditures on the army and sought other revenues. Taking a chapter out of the late Bourbon Reforms, he targeted the Roman Catholic Church . Anticlericalism was a tenet of Mexican liberalism , and the church had supported Bustamante's government, so targeting that institution was a logical move. Tithing (a 10% tax on agricultural production)

3848-478: The Gonzales Ranging Company as a lieutenant and commander of the unit. After learning that James Fannin was not going to the Alamo as reinforcements, and that there would likely be no other reinforcements, George Kimble and Albert Martin lead a group of 25 men from Gonzales at 2 pm on Saturday, February 27. The party would number 32 upon its arrival at the Alamo. As they approached the Alamo in

3952-515: The Híjar-Padrés colony to bolster non-mission civilian settlement, as well as defend the province against perceived Russian colonial ambitions from the trading post at Fort Ross . However, for liberal intellectual and Catholic priest José María Luis Mora , selling church property was the key to "transforming Mexico into a liberal, progressive nation of small landowners." Sale of nonessential church property would bring in much-needed revenue to

4056-516: The Mexican-American War, President Mariano Paredes was removed from office, with the new government seeking to reinstate the constitution of 1824, with Santa Anna again assuming the presidency. Santa Anna, who had been in exile for only a year, returned to Mexico on 6 August 1846, two days after Paredes' ouster. He wrote to the new government stating he had no aspirations to the presidency but would eagerly use his military experience in

4160-437: The North was routed. The Battle for Mexico City and the Battle of Chapultepec , like the others, were hard fought losses, and American forces took the capital. "Despite his many faults as a tactician and his overbearing political ambition, Santa Anna was committed to fighting to the bitter end. His actions would prolong the war for at least a year, and more than any other single person it was Santa Anna who denied Polk's dream of

4264-580: The People of Texas and All Americans in the World— Fellow Citizens and Compatriots: I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continual Bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and have not lost a man. The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken. I have answered the demand with

Immortal 32 - Misplaced Pages Continue

4368-508: The Spanish were reinforcing their colony, so the invasion was called off. Former insurgent general Guadalupe Victoria , a liberal federalist, became the first president of the Mexican republic in 1824, following the creation of the constitution of 1824 . Victoria came to the presidency with little factional conflict, and served out his entire four-year term. However, the election of 1828

4472-537: The Texan Alamo defenders gave joy, and many sleep in peace tonight with the hope of new recruits coming tomorrow. WE, the thirty-two are much hesitant to tell them of the fact of the Texan government being dispersed due to much talking and argument; Travis' letters of plea have met no audience, and none know of our plight. it is no wonder that us 32 are indeed low and unable to sleep as we now rethink our plan of joining

4576-702: The Texas government guaranteed Santa Anna's safety and transport to Veracruz. Meanwhile, in Mexico City, a new government declared that Santa Anna was no longer president and that the Treaties were null and void. While Santa Anna was held captive in Texas, Poinsett offered a harsh assessment of his situation: "Say to General Santa Anna that when I remember how ardent an advocate he was of liberty ten years ago, I have no sympathy for him now, that he has gotten what he deserves." Santa Anna replied: "Say to Mr. Poinsett that it

4680-440: The action of the twenty-fifth ult. made on that day to Gen. Sam. Houston, together with the various communications heretofore sent by express, I shall therefore confine myself to what has transpired since that date. From the twenty-fifth to the present date the enemy have kept up a bombardment from two howitzers, — one a five and a half inch, and the other an eight inch, — and a heavy cannonade from two long nine-pounders, mounted on

4784-472: The age of 22, he moved to Texas as a member of the Green DeWitt Colony . There he met Prudence Nash, who was widowed from her first husband and had three children, and they married on June 26, 1832. They moved to Gonzales, Texas , and together with his business partner Almaron Dickinson started a hat factory on Water street. His son Charles C. Kimble was born in 1834. Kimble's pregnant wife

4888-582: The aid of their brethren." The Zacatecas militia, the largest and best supplied of the Mexican states, led by Francisco García Salinas , was well armed with .753 caliber British ' Brown Bess ' muskets and Baker .61 rifles . But, after two hours of combat on 12 May 1835, Santa Anna's "Army of Operations" defeated the Zacatecan militia and took almost 3,000 prisoners. He allowed his army to loot Zacatecas City for forty-eight hours. After conquering Zacatecas, he planned to move on to Coahuila y Tejas to quell

4992-407: The aid-de-camp, of Santa Anna, at their head. A report was circulated that Santa Anna himself was with the enemy, but I think it was false. A reinforcement of about one thousand men is now entering Bejar, from the west, and I think it more than probable that Santa Anna is now in town, from the rejoicing we hear. Colonel Fannin is said to be on the march to this place with reinforcements, but I fear it

5096-502: The capital was dug up by a mob and dragged through the streets until nothing was left of it. Fearing for his life, Santa Anna tried to elude capture, but in January 1845 he was apprehended by a group of Native Americans near Xico . They turned him over to authorities, and he was imprisoned. Santa Anna's life was ultimately spared, but he was exiled to Cuba. In 1846, following American victories at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma in

5200-549: The civic militia and urged Congress to abolish the controversial Ley del Caso . On 12 June he dissolved Congress and announced his decision to adopt the Plan of Cuernavaca, forming a new Catholic, centralist and conservative government. Santa Anna brokered a deal where, in exchange for preserving the privileges of the church and the army, the church promised a monthly donation to the government of 30,000–40,000 pesos. "The santanistas [supporters of Santa Anna] succeeded in achieving what

5304-554: The country. Gómez Farías claimed that Santa Anna was the driving force for the law, which evidence seems to support. With increasing resistance from the church as well as the army, the Plan of Cuernavaca was issued, likely orchestrated by former general and governor of the Federal District, José María Tornel . The plan called for repeal of the Ley del Caso ; discouraged tolerance of the influence of Masonic lodges , where politics

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5408-496: The defenders of Alamo was his only option, stressing that Texan commander William B. Travis was to blame for the degree of violence during the battle. Santa Anna believed that Travis was disrespectful towards him, and that if he had spared the Texans, it would have allowed Sam Houston to establish a dominant position that could threaten him later. The Mexican victory at the Alamo bought time for Houston and his Texas forces. During

5512-536: The early morning hours of March 1, a rider appeared in front of them and asked, in English, if they wished to go into the fort. When they said yes, he turned and told them to follow him. When one of the men became suspicious, the rider bolted away. The volunteers were afraid they had been discovered and galloped towards the Alamo. In the darkness, the Texians thought this was a party of Mexican soldiers and fired. One man

5616-583: The elder Austin died. Santa Anna marched north to bring Texas back under Mexican control by a brutal show of force . His expedition posed challenges of manpower, logistics, supply and strategy far beyond what he was prepared for, and it ended in disaster. To fund, organize and equip his army, Santa Anna relied, as he often did, on forcing wealthy men to "loan" him funds. He recruited hastily, sweeping up many derelicts and ex-convicts, as well as Indians who could not understand Spanish commands. Having expected tropical weather, Santa Anna's army suffered from cold,

5720-544: The enemy on his own terms. I will, however, do the best I can under the circumstances; and I feel confident that the determined valor and desperate courage, heretofore exhibited by my men, will not fail them in the last struggle; and although they may be sacrificed to the vengeance of a Gothic enemy, the victory will cost the enemy so dear, that it will be worse for him than a defeat. I hope your honorable body will hasten on reinforcements, ammunition, and provisions to our aid as soon as possible. We have provisions for twenty days for

5824-438: The expenses of the war. The bearer of this will give your honorable body a statement more in detail, should he escape through the enemy's lines. God and Texas — Victory or Death. Your obedient servant, W. Barrett Travis, Lieut. Col. Comm. On February 29, 1836, the "Immortal 32" led by George Kimbell arrived at the Alamo. At 3:00 am on March 1, under the cover of night, they slipped through Santa Anna's lines and entered

5928-644: The federalist constitution with a unitary central government, seemingly uneasy with their political path. "Although he has been blamed for the change to centralism, he was not actually present during any of the deliberations that led to the abolition of the federalist charter or the elaboration of the 1836 Constitution." Several states openly rebelled against the changes, including Alta California, Nuevo México , Tabasco , Sonora , Coahuila y Tejas , San Luis Potosí, Querétaro, Durango , Guanajuato, Michoacán, Yucatán, Jalisco , Nuevo León , Tamaulipas , and Zacatecas . Several of these states formed their own governments:

6032-512: The fight for independence. Political developments in Spain, where liberals had ousted King Ferdinand VII and began implementing the Spanish liberal constitution of 1812 , made many elites in Mexico reconsider their options. Iturbide, now Emperor Augustin I, rewarded Santa Anna with the command of the vital port of Veracruz, the gateway from the Gulf of Mexico to the rest of the nation and site of

6136-532: The fighting into Mexico City, with his supporters seizing an armory, the Acordada . President-elect Gómez Pedraza resigned and soon after went into exile , clearing the way for Guerrero to assume office. Santa Anna gained prominence for his role in Gómez Pedraza's ouster, and was lauded as a defender of federalism and democracy. In 1829, Spain made a final attempt to retake Mexico, invading Tampico with

6240-793: The final call of Colonel William B. Travis. Names and ages of the Immortal Thirty-Two: Captain Albert Martin, 30; Isaac G. Baker, 32; John Cane, 34; George W. Cottle, 38; David P. Cummings, 27; Squire Damon, 28; Jacob C. Darst, 48; John Davis, 25; William Dearduff; Charles Despallier, 24; William Fishbaugh; John Flanders, 36; Dolphin Ward Floyd, 32; Galva Fuqua, 16; John E. Garvin, 27; John E. Gaston. 17; James George, 34; Thomas Jackson; Jonathan L. Lindley, 31; Jessie McCoy; Isaac Millsaps; George Neggan, 28; Wm. E. Summers, 24; George W. Tumlinson, 22; Robert White, 30; Claiborne Wright, 26. Other Gonzales men who fell at

6344-463: The fort. They are the only relief force to arrive before the final assault. On March 5, James Allen is the last Texian to leave the Alamo with a final dispatch from William Travis and various letters from the Alamo Defenders . A letter written by one of the thirty-two, Isaac Millsaps, details events inside the Alamo on the night before the final assault; its authenticity is disputed: Morale

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6448-399: The governorship. In the 1828 election, Santa Anna supported Guerrero, who was a candidate for the presidency. Another important liberal, Lorenzo de Zavala , also supported Guerrero. However, conservative Manuel Gómez Pedraza won the indirect elections for the presidency, with Guerrero coming in second. Even before all the votes had been counted, Santa Anna raised a rebellion and called for

6552-440: The great and decisive ground. The power of Santa Anna is to be met here, or in the colonies; we had better meet them here than to suffer a war of devastation to rage in our settlements. A blood red banner waves from the church of Bejar, and in the camp above us, in token that the war is one of vengeance against rebels; they have declared us as such; demanded that we should surrender at discretion, or that this garrison should be put to

6656-487: The halls of power in Mexico City, which were dominated by cliques of elite men, and thus he frequently made retreats to his base in Veracruz. He cultivated contact with ordinary Mexican men and pursued entertainments such as cockfighting . Over his career, Santa Anna was a populist caudillo , a strongman wielding both military and political power, similar to others who emerged in the wake of Spanish American wars of independence . Santa Anna's early military career during

6760-831: The head of a generalized movement so it would become an instrument of his advancement." In May 1823, following Iturbide's abdication as emperor in March, Santa Anna was sent to command in Yucatán . At the time, Yucatán's capital of Mérida and the port city of Campeche were in conflict. Yucatán's closest trade partner was Cuba, a Spanish colony. Santa Anna took it upon himself to plan a landing force from Yucatán in Cuba, which he envisioned would result in Cuban colonists welcoming their "liberators", most especially himself. One thousand Mexicans were already on ships to sail to Cuba when word came that

6864-449: The heart of Texas will be the seat of war. This is not imaginary. The enemy from 6,000 to 8,000 strong are on our border and rapidly moving by forced marches for the colonies. The campaign has commenced. We must promptly meet the enemy or all will be lost. Do you possess honor? Suffer it not to be insulted or tarnished! Do you possess patriotism? Evince it by your bold, prompt and manly action! If you posses even humanity you will rally without

6968-457: The initial rebellion, the young officer witnessed Arredondo's fierce counterinsurgency policy of mass executions. The early fighting against the rebels gave way to guerrilla warfare and a military stalemate . When royalist officer Agustín de Iturbide switched sides in 1821 and allied with insurgent Vicente Guerrero , fighting for independence under the Plan of Iguala , Santa Anna also joined

7072-523: The inside, and strengthen walls by throwing up the dirt. At least two hundred shells have fallen inside of our works without having injured a single man; indeed we have been so fortunate as not to lose a man from any cause, and we have killed many of the enemy. The spirits of my men are still high, although they have had much to depress them. We have contended for ten days against an enemy whose numbers are variously estimated at from fifteen hundred to six thousand men, with General Ramirez Sesma and Colonel Batres,

7176-480: The invaders and protect the capital. For the Mexicans it would have been better if Scott could have been prevented from leaving the Gulf Coast, but they could not prevent Scott's march on Xalapa . Santa Anna set defenses at Cerro Gordo . U.S. forces outflanked him and against strong odds defeated his army. With that battle, the way was clear for Scott's forces to advance further onto Mexico City. Santa Anna's aim

7280-405: The liberal Constitution of 1824 in 1835 and in restoring it in 1847. He came to power as a liberal twice in 1832 and in 1847 respectively, both times sharing power with the liberal statesman Valentín Gómez Farías , and both times Santa Anna overthrew Gómez Farías after switching sides to the conservatives. Santa Anna was also known for his ostentatious and dictatorial style of rule, making use of

7384-405: The men we have. Our supply of ammunition is limited. At least five hundred pounds of cannon powder, and two hundred rounds of six, nine, twelve and eighteen pound balls, ten kegs of rifle powder and a supply of lead, should be sent to the place without delay, under a sufficient guard. If these things are promptly sent, and large reinforcements are hastened to this frontier, this neighborhood will be

7488-588: The men were forced to drink any water they could find on the trail. The officers proved to be mostly incompetent, yet the highly insulated and rigid hierarchy of the army meant that Santa Anna was kept ignorant of these problems. Santa Anna's forces killed 189 Texan defenders at the Battle of the Alamo on 6 March 1836, and executed more than 342 Texan prisoners at the Goliad Massacre on 27 March 1836. However, his forces suffered unexpectedly heavy casualties. In an 1874 letter, Santa Anna asserted that killing

7592-525: The military to dissolve Congress multiple times and referring to himself by the honorific title of His Most Serene Highness . His intermittent periods of rule, which lasted from 1832 to 1853, witnessed the loss of Texas , a series of military failures during the Mexican–American War, and the ensuing Mexican Cession . His leadership in the war and his willingness to fight to the bitter end prolonged that conflict: "more than any other single person it

7696-434: The nation to re-enter Mexican politics. Soon after, with Bustamante's presidency descending into chaos, supporters asked Santa Anna to take control of the provisional government. Santa Anna was made president for the fifth time, taking over a nation with an empty treasury. The war with France had weakened the country, and the people were discontented. Also, a rebel army led by Generals José de Urrea and José Antonio Mexía ,

7800-472: The nation". He is considered one of the most unpopular and controversial Mexican presidents of the 19th century. Antonio de Padua María Severino López de Santa Anna y Pérez de Lebrón was born in Xalapa , Veracruz , Nueva España (New Spain), on 21 February 1794 into a respected Spanish family. He was named after his father, licenciado Antonio López de Santa Anna y Pérez (born 1761), a university graduate and

7904-575: The nation. In 1832, Santa Anna seized the customs revenues from Veracruz and declared himself in rebellion against Bustamante. The bloody conflict ended with Santa Anna forcing the resignation of Bustamante's cabinet, and an agreement was brokered for new elections in 1833. Santa Anna was elected president on 1 April 1833, but while he desired the title, he was not interested in governing. According to Mexican historian Enrique Krauze , "It annoyed him and bored him, and perhaps frightened him." A biographer of Santa Anna describes his role during this period as

8008-433: The new conflict with the U.S. U.S. President James K. Polk had hoped to acquire territory in the north by purchase or force, but the Mexican government was not willing to yield. In a gambit to change the dynamic, Polk sent agents to secretly meet with the exiled Santa Anna. They thought they had extracted a promise from him that they would lift a blockade of the Mexican coast to allow him to return and that he would broker

8112-401: The nullification of the election results, as well for a new law expelling Spanish nationals who he believed to have been in league with the conservatives. The rebellion initially had few supporters, although southern Mexican leader Juan Álvarez soon Santa Anna, while Zavala, under threat of arrest by the conservative Senate , fled to the mountains and organized his own rebellion. Zavala brought

8216-418: The old mill, eight hundred yards north. Notwithstanding all this, a company of thirty-two men from Gonzales, made their way in to us on the morning of the first inst. at three o'clock, and Col. J. B. Bonham (a courier from Gonzales) got in this morning at eleven o'clock, without molestation. I have fortified this place, so that the walls are generally proof against cannon balls; and I still continue to entrench on

8320-488: The potential benefits of annexation by the more powerful U.S. Following the 1842 elections, at which a new Congress was elected which opposed his rule, Santa Anna attempted to restore the treasury by raising taxes. Several Mexican states stopped dealing with the central government in response, and Yucatán and Laredo declared themselves independent republics. With resentment growing, Santa Anna stepped down and fled Mexico City in December 1844. The buried leg he left behind in

8424-731: The promulgation of the Constitution of 1843 , and the Mexican–American War . He became well known in the United States due to his role in the Texas Revolution and in the Mexican–American War. Throughout his political career, Santa Anna was known for switching sides in the recurring conflict between the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party . He managed to play a prominent role in both discarding

8528-471: The radicals had failed to do: forcing the Church to assist the republic's daily fiscal needs with its funds and properties." On 4 January 1835, Santa Anna returned to his hacienda , placing Miguel Barragán as acting president. He soon replaced the 1824 constitution with the new document known as the " Siete Leyes " ("The Seven Laws"). Santa Anna did not involve himself with the conservative effort to replace

8632-457: The rebellion there, which was being supported by settlers from the United States . In 1835, Santa Anna repealed the Mexican constitution, which ultimately led to the beginning of the Texas Revolution. His reasoning for the repeal was that American settlers in Texas were not paying taxes or tariffs , claiming they were not recipients of any services provided by the Mexican government; as a result, new settlers were not allowed there. The new policy

8736-445: The rebels. The new coalition proclaimed the Plan of Casa Mata , which called for the end of the monarchy, restoration of the Constituent Congress, and creation of a republic and a federal system . No longer the main player in the movement against Iturbide or the creation of new political arrangements, Santa Anna sought to regain his position as a leader and marched forces to Tampico , then to San Luis Potosí, proclaiming his role as

8840-436: The reforms, Santa Anna was persuaded to return to the presidency and Gómez Farías resigned. This set the stage for conservatives to reshape Mexico's government from a federalist republic to a unitary central republic. For conservatives, the liberal reform of Gómez Farías was radical and threatened the power of the elites. Santa Anna's actions in allowing this first reform (followed by a more sweeping one in 1855) might have been

8944-486: The region. The port of Veracruz and environs were known to be unhealthy for those not native to the region, so he had a personal strategic advantage against military officers from elsewhere. Being an officer in a time of war was a way that a provincial, middle-class man could vault from obscurity to a position of leadership. Santa Anna distinguished himself in battle, a path that led him to a national political career. Santa Anna's provincial origins made him uncomfortable in

9048-596: The sculpture. It is located at the end of the 104' reflection pool. The monument was added the National Register of Historic Places (#03001414) on January 13, 2004. In Memory of the Immortal 32 Gonzales men and boys who, on March 1, 1836 fought their way into the beleaguered Alamo to die with Colonel William B. Travis for the Liberty of Texas. They were the last and only reinforcements to arrive in answer to

9152-545: The second letter on February 27 and dispatched it to Governor Henry Smith in San Felipe . Smith informed colonists: Fellow Citizens and Countrymen: The foregoing official communication from Colonel Travis, now in command at Bexar, needs no comment. The garrison, composed of only 150 Americans, engaged in a deadly conflict with 1,000 of the mercenary troops of the Dictator, who are daily receiving reinforcements, should be

9256-700: The siege, the Texian Navy had more time to plunder ports along the Gulf of Mexico, and the Texian Army gained more experience and weaponry. Despite Houston's lack of ability to maintain strict control of the Army, they completely routed Santa Anna's much larger army at the Battle of San Jacinto on 21 April 1836. The day after the battle, a small Texan force led by James Austin Sylvester captured Santa Anna near

9360-516: The sword. Their threats have had no influence on me or my men, but to make all fight with desperation, and that high souled courage which characterizes the patriot, who is willing to die in defence of his country's liberty and his own honor. The citizens of this municipality are all our enemies, except those who have joined us heretofore. We have but three Mexican now in the fort : those who have not joined us, in this extremity, should be declared public enemies, and their property should aid in paying

9464-428: The treasury. The army was also targeted for reform, since it was the largest single expenditure in the national budget. On Santa Anna's suggestion, the number of battalions was to be reduced as well as the number of generals and brigadiers. The government soon issued a law, the Ley del Caso, which called for the arrest of 51 politicians, including Bustamante, for holding "unpatriotic" beliefs and their expulsion from

9568-430: The two armies clashed at the Battle of Buena Vista on 22–23 February 1847. Hard fighting over two days brought an inconclusive result, with Santa Anna withdrawing from the field of battle overnight just as complete victory was at hand, taking war trophies such as cannons and battle flags as evidence of his victory. With Scott's army landing at Veracruz , Santa Anna's home ground, he rapidly moved southward to engage with

9672-589: Was Santa Anna who denied Polk 's dream of a short war." Even after the war was over, Santa Anna continued to cede national territory to the Americans through the Gadsden Purchase in 1853. After he was overthrown and exiled in 1855 through the liberal Plan of Ayutla , Santa Anna began to fade into the background in Mexican politics even as the nation entered the decisive period of the Reform War ,

9776-428: Was a Mexican soldier, politician, and caudillo who served as the 8th president of Mexico on multiple times between 1833 and 1855. He also served as vice president of Mexico from 1837 to 1839. He was a controversial and pivotal figure in Mexican politics during the 19th century, to the point that he has been called an "uncrowned monarch", and historians often refer to the three decades after Mexican independence as

9880-618: Was a response to the U.S. attempts to purchase Texas from Mexico. Like other states discontented with the central government, the Texas Department of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas rebelled in late 1835 and declared itself independent on 2 March 1836. The northeastern part of the state had been settled by numerous American immigrants. Moses Austin , the father of Stephen F. Austin , had his party accepted by Spanish authorities in exchange for defense against foreign threats. However, Mexico had declared independence from Spain before

9984-533: Was abolished as a legal obligation, and church property and finances were seized. The church's role in education was reduced and the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico closed. All this caused concern among Mexican conservatives. Gómez Farías sought to extend these reforms to the frontier province of Alta California , promoting legislation to secularize the Franciscan missions there. In 1833 he organized

10088-496: Was allowed to return to Mexico. He was transported aboard the USS Pioneer to retire to his hacienda in Veracruz. There he wrote a manifesto in which he reflected on his experiences and decision-making in Texas. In 1838, Santa Anna found a chance for redemption from the loss of Texas. After Mexico rejected demands for financial compensation for losses suffered by its citizens, France sent forces that landed in Veracruz in

10192-408: Was important, Iturbide had loyal military men who were able to hold their own against the rebels in Veracruz. However, former insurgent leaders Guerrero and Nicolás Bravo , who had supported Iturbide's Plan de Iguala, returned to their base in southern Mexico and raised a rebellion against Iturbide. The commander of imperial forces in Veracruz, who had fought against the rebels, changed sides and joined

10296-525: Was marching towards Mexico City in opposition to Santa Anna. Commanding the army, Santa Anna crushed the rebellion in Puebla . Santa Anna ruled in a more dictatorial fashion than during his first administration. His government banned anti-Santanista newspapers and jailed dissidents to suppress opposition. In 1842, he directed a military expedition into Texas . The action inflicted numerous casualties with no political gain, but Texans began to be persuaded of

10400-429: Was pursued in secrecy; declared void the laws passed by Congress and the local legislatures in favor of the reforms; requested the protection of Santa Anna to fulfill the plan and recognize him as the only authority; removed from office deputies and officials who carried out enforcement of the reform laws and decrees; and provided military force to support Gómez Farías in implementing the plan. As opinion turned against

10504-529: Was quite different, with considerable political conflict in which Santa Anna became involved. Even before the election, there was unrest in Mexico, with some conservatives affiliated with the Scottish Rite Freemasons plotting rebellion. The so-called Montaño rebellion in December 1827 called for the prohibition of secret societies , implicitly meaning liberal York Rite Freemasons, and the expulsion of U.S. diplomat Joel Roberts Poinsett ,

10608-480: Was to protect the capital at all costs and waged defensive warfare, placing strong defenses on the most direct road into the city at El Peñon, which Scott then avoided. Battles at Contreras , Churubusco , and Molino del Rey were lost. At Contreras, Mexican General Gabriel Valencia , an old political and military rival of Santa Anna's, did not recognize his authority as supreme commander and disobeyed his orders as to where his troops should be placed. Valencia's Army of

10712-466: Was washing clothes in a creek with 2-year old Charles nearby when George announced the plans of the Gonzales Ranging Company to answer Travis’ appeal for aid to the surrounded Alamo garrison in San Antonio. Among them were business partner Almeron Dickinson and his wife and child. His parting words indicated that he felt he probably would not return. On February 23, 1836, Kimble was mustered into

10816-596: Was wounded in the left hand by an arrow while fighting in the town of Amoladeras, in the intendancy (administrative district) of San Luis Potosí . In 1813 he served in Texas against the Gutiérrez–Magee Expedition and at the Battle of Medina , in which he was cited for bravery. Santa Anna was promoted quickly; he became a second lieutenant in February 1812 and first lieutenant before the end of that year. During

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