Educational worksheet on Texas Independence and westward expansion, featuring fill-in-the-blank questions and a timeline activity.
Worksheet titled "Westward Expansion" with questions about Texas Independence, including a QR code and a silhouette of a cowboy on a horse.
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Show Answer Key & Explanations
Step-by-step solution for: Texas Independence Worksheet | Mysite
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Show Answer Key & Explanations
Step-by-step solution for: Texas Independence Worksheet | Mysite
Let’s go step by step to answer each question based on what you’d learn from watching the video about Texas Independence and Westward Expansion.
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1. The United States claimed Texas as part of what purchase?
The U.S. claimed Texas was part of the Louisiana Purchase — even though Spain (and later Mexico) didn’t agree with that claim.
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2. When did Mexico achieve independence from Spain?
Mexico became independent from Spain in 1821.
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3. What were at least two things Americans had to do to move into Texas while it was under Mexican control?
Americans who moved to Texas had to:
- Become Mexican citizens
- Convert to Catholicism
*(Also, they often had to follow Mexican laws and sometimes give up slavery — but those two are the main ones.)*
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4. By 1830 what was the population of Texas comprised of?
By 1830, most people living in Texas were American settlers, not Mexicans or Native Americans. There were about 20,000 Americans compared to only around 5,000 Tejanos (Mexican Texans).
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5. Who was the dictator of Mexico at the time?
The leader of Mexico during this time was General Antonio López de Santa Anna. He took away freedoms and ruled like a dictator.
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6. The defenders of the Alamo held off the Mexican Army for how many days?
The Battle of the Alamo lasted 13 days — from February 23 to March 6, 1836.
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7. What did Texas do as the attack on the Alamo was occurring?
While the Alamo was being attacked, Texas leaders met at Washington-on-the-Brazos and declared independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836.
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8. Who was the commander-in-chief of this new Texas government?
The first president (commander-in-chief) of the Republic of Texas was Sam Houston.
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9. What happened at Goliad?
At Goliad, Mexican forces captured about 300 Texan soldiers after they surrendered. Then, under orders from Santa Anna, they were executed — this is called the Goliad Massacre. It made Texans angrier and more determined to fight.
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10. In what year was Texas annexed or added to the United States?
Texas joined the United States in 1845 — becoming the 28th state.
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11. Why do you think Texas wanted to join the United States and why as a slave state?
Texas wanted to join the U.S. because:
- They felt safer with American protection
- They shared culture and language with Americans
- Many settlers came from southern U.S. states where slavery was legal
They wanted to be a slave state because their economy depended on cotton farming, which used enslaved labor — just like other southern states.
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Now let’s fill in the timeline table:
| DATE | EVENT |
|------------|--------------------------------|
| 1821 | Mexico gets independence from Spain |
| 1836 | Defense of the Alamo |
| 1836 | Texas declares independence |
| 1836 | Santa Ana recognizes Texas independence *(after losing the war)* |
| 1845 | Texas is annexed to the United States |
*(Note: Santa Anna officially recognized Texas independence in 1836 after his defeat at San Jacinto, even if he tried to take it back later.)*
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Final Answer:
1. Louisiana Purchase
2. 1821
3. Become Mexican citizens and convert to Catholicism
4. Mostly American settlers
5. Antonio López de Santa Anna
6. 13 days
7. Declared independence from Mexico
8. Sam Houston
9. Around 300 Texan prisoners were executed by Mexican troops
10. 1845
11. For safety, cultural ties, and economic reasons — especially to keep slavery legal for cotton farming
Timeline Dates:
- Mexico independence: 1821
- Alamo defense: 1836
- Texas declares independence: 1836
- Santa Anna recognizes independence: 1836
- Texas annexed: 1845
---
1. The United States claimed Texas as part of what purchase?
The U.S. claimed Texas was part of the Louisiana Purchase — even though Spain (and later Mexico) didn’t agree with that claim.
---
2. When did Mexico achieve independence from Spain?
Mexico became independent from Spain in 1821.
---
3. What were at least two things Americans had to do to move into Texas while it was under Mexican control?
Americans who moved to Texas had to:
- Become Mexican citizens
- Convert to Catholicism
*(Also, they often had to follow Mexican laws and sometimes give up slavery — but those two are the main ones.)*
---
4. By 1830 what was the population of Texas comprised of?
By 1830, most people living in Texas were American settlers, not Mexicans or Native Americans. There were about 20,000 Americans compared to only around 5,000 Tejanos (Mexican Texans).
---
5. Who was the dictator of Mexico at the time?
The leader of Mexico during this time was General Antonio López de Santa Anna. He took away freedoms and ruled like a dictator.
---
6. The defenders of the Alamo held off the Mexican Army for how many days?
The Battle of the Alamo lasted 13 days — from February 23 to March 6, 1836.
---
7. What did Texas do as the attack on the Alamo was occurring?
While the Alamo was being attacked, Texas leaders met at Washington-on-the-Brazos and declared independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836.
---
8. Who was the commander-in-chief of this new Texas government?
The first president (commander-in-chief) of the Republic of Texas was Sam Houston.
---
9. What happened at Goliad?
At Goliad, Mexican forces captured about 300 Texan soldiers after they surrendered. Then, under orders from Santa Anna, they were executed — this is called the Goliad Massacre. It made Texans angrier and more determined to fight.
---
10. In what year was Texas annexed or added to the United States?
Texas joined the United States in 1845 — becoming the 28th state.
---
11. Why do you think Texas wanted to join the United States and why as a slave state?
Texas wanted to join the U.S. because:
- They felt safer with American protection
- They shared culture and language with Americans
- Many settlers came from southern U.S. states where slavery was legal
They wanted to be a slave state because their economy depended on cotton farming, which used enslaved labor — just like other southern states.
---
Now let’s fill in the timeline table:
| DATE | EVENT |
|------------|--------------------------------|
| 1821 | Mexico gets independence from Spain |
| 1836 | Defense of the Alamo |
| 1836 | Texas declares independence |
| 1836 | Santa Ana recognizes Texas independence *(after losing the war)* |
| 1845 | Texas is annexed to the United States |
*(Note: Santa Anna officially recognized Texas independence in 1836 after his defeat at San Jacinto, even if he tried to take it back later.)*
---
Final Answer:
1. Louisiana Purchase
2. 1821
3. Become Mexican citizens and convert to Catholicism
4. Mostly American settlers
5. Antonio López de Santa Anna
6. 13 days
7. Declared independence from Mexico
8. Sam Houston
9. Around 300 Texan prisoners were executed by Mexican troops
10. 1845
11. For safety, cultural ties, and economic reasons — especially to keep slavery legal for cotton farming
Timeline Dates:
- Mexico independence: 1821
- Alamo defense: 1836
- Texas declares independence: 1836
- Santa Anna recognizes independence: 1836
- Texas annexed: 1845
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of texas revolution worksheet.
