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4 Across Mexico, many citizens wonder what the fighting is about. After all,
Texas is part of Mexico. And even though many Texians are from the United
States, most have become Mexican citizens. They always got along with the
government. Why are they now fighting against Mexico?

5 The problems started soon after Antonio López de Santa Anna became
president in 1834. After Mexico became free of Spain in 1821, the new
leaders wrote a constitution. This set of laws protected the rights of the

people and gave them the right to vote. But Santa Anna thought the
constitution was making Mexico weak. He decided to make laws of his own.
Under these harsher laws, citizens had fewer rights. Most Mexicans went
along with the new laws without complaining.

6 But many Texians felt differently about Santa Anna’s laws. They came
from the United States. They were used to having more of a say in their
government. The Texians worried that giving up a few rights now could mean
losing more before long. Some Texian leaders were so angry that they started
a rebellion. They wanted Texas to break free of Mexico and become an
independent country.

7 News of the rebellion in Texas made it back to Mexico City. Santa Anna
was furious. How dare these rebels try to steal Mexico’s land? In late 1835, he
sent General Cos to deal with the Texians. The Mexicans and Texians fought
many battles. But after this last battle on December 9, the Mexicans were

forced out of Texas.

8 Now, Mexican citizens all around
you are making difficult choices. Many
Mexican citizens support Santa Anna.

They believe Texas should remain
with Mexico. Others are choosing to
fight with the Texian rebels.

Antonio López de Santa Anna

rebellion In a rebellion, people defy authority and fight for change in their political system.
furious Someone who is furious is very, very angry.

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