Chapter 9, Student Web Activities, Texas and Texans, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 9: Road to Independence
"The Convention of 1836"

Introduction
Just like the American Revolution, the Texas Revolution had its opening battle, citizens for and against independence, and a convention of delegates who met to declare independence and write a constitution. The Texas delegates had to work much faster than the delegates who met to write the United States Declaration of Independence, however. Santa Anna's Mexican army was hot on their trail! In this activity, you will learn more about the men and events at the Convention of 1836.

Destination Title: Sons of DeWitt Colony Texas

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips.

Directions
Start at Sons of DeWitt Colony Texas Web site.

In the green margin on the left side of the Web page, click on Independence.
Now find and click on The Consultations in the center of the Web page.
Look back in the green margin and scroll down to "Washington 1836." Click on it.
Read the information provided, and glance at the photographs of the delegates to the Constitution of 1836.

Use what you have learned to answer the following questions.

1. Who was elected president of the Convention of 1836? Who was chairman of the Declaration of Independence Committee?

2. On what date was the Declaration of Independence signed by the delegates?

3. Read the agenda for March 7, 1836. Who was to be drafted into military service for the Republic?

4. On March 16, the delegates approved a Constitution. They also approved "Executive Ordinances Preliminary to Establishment of a Constitution." What did the 10th resolution of the "preliminary ordinances" allow?

5. The newly organized military forces of the Republic of Texas needed volunteer soldiers. Design a poster encouraging volunteers from the United States and Mexico to enlist in the Texas army. Be sure to include information about why the soldiers would be fighting, and what they would gain if they joined the army. Use a poster board or a large piece of paper to create the poster you have designed.