Conflict over TX began with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Settlers to TX received land grants called empresarios from Spain (who still ruled Mexico.) The first settlers were known as the Old Three-Hundred and they were led by Stephen Austin. While Mexico hoped they could attract Mexicans to TX, most new settlers were Americans. The U.S. gov't offered to buy TX 2x from Mexico. Mexico refused and issued a decree to stop U.S. immigration to TX. This led to an uprising of Texan American settlers against the Mexican govt. The first battle was in Gonzales, then in San Antonio. After these initial victories, the Americans suffered a brutal defeat at the Alamo in 1836. Although Mexican troops continued to occupy TX, American Texans declared TX was an independent republic in 1836 and Sam Houston was named commander of TX forces. We covered the battles at Goliad (defeat) and San Jacinto (great victory).