Introduction
In Chapter 6, students are introduced to the filibusters who hoped to free Texas from Spanish rule. Some historians believe that the Gutiérrez-Magee expedition was really the first "Republic of Texas." Others believe the expedition never really had a foothold in Texas, and therefore was just an invasion of Texas.

Lesson Description
In this lesson, students will visit the Handbook of Texas Online to take a closer look at the Gutiérrez-Magee expedition. Students are required to read about the expedition and answer several questions relating to it and the people involved in organizing it. After answering the questions, students will write a journal entry explaining why they would or would not have joined the expedition against Spanish rule.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

7.1 History
(B) apply absolute and relative chronology through the sequencing of significant individuals, events, and time periods

7.2 History
(B) identify important individuals, events, and issues related to European exploration and colonization of Texas, including the establishment of Catholic missions

7.21 Social studies skills
(A) differentiate between, locate, and use primary and secondary sources such as computer software, databases, media and news services, biographies, interviews, and artifacts to acquire information about Texas
(C) organize and interpret information from outlines, reports, databases, and visuals including graphs, charts, timelines, and maps

7.22 Social studies skills
(C) transfer information from one medium to another, including written to visual and statistical to written or visual, using computer software as appropriate
(D) create written, oral, and visual presentations of social studies information

Instructional Objectives

1. The student will be able to identify the purpose of the Gutiérrez-Magee expedition.
2. The student will be able to list the people involved in the expedition.
3. The student will be able to create a journal entry analyzing the pros and cons of joining the expedition against the Spanish.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. The Gutiérrez-Magee expedition took place in 1812–1813.
2. Gutiérrez de Lara traveled to Washington, D.C., in the hope of securing United States support for Mexico's fight against Spanish rule.
3. On March 29, 1813, Samuel Kemper led about 800 men to defeat the Spanish army of 1,200 in the Battle of Rosillo. The Spanish governor Salcedo surrendered San Antonio after this battle.
4. Gutiérrez permitted the execution of Salcedo and other Spanish officers, which caused many Americans to return to Louisiana.
5. Students' journal entries will vary but should point out the disadvantages of being ruled by Spain from distant Mexico City. Students should also hint about what it may be like to be ruled by the United States, and make predictions about the true motives of many of the filibusters.

Go To Student Web Activity