Treaties of Velasco
Will the real treaty please stand up?
What is a treaty?
A formal agreement between two or more states with reference to peace, alliance, commerce, or other international relations.
Treaty of Velasco
Ended the Texas Revolution; it ended military occupation of Texas while recognizing Texas as an independent nation. Santa Anna was set free.
Why Two Treaties?
On May 14, Santa Anna signed two peace treaties with interim Texas president David G. Burnet. The public treaty consisted of ten articles; a second, secret treaty consisted of six additional articles. The secret agreement was to be carried out when the public treaty had been fulfilled.
The Treaty of Velasco (Public), May 14, 1836
The public treaty provided that hostilities would cease and that Santa Anna would withdraw his forces below the Rio Grande and not take up arms again against Texas. In addition, he also pledged to restore property that had been confiscated by the Mexicans. Both sides promised to exchange prisoners on an equal basis. The Texans would send Santa Anna back to Mexico and would not pursue the retreating Mexican troops.
The Treaty of Velasco (Private), May 14, 1836
In the secret agreement, the Texans agreed to release Santa Anna immediately in exchange for his pledge to use his influence to secure Mexican recognition of Texas independence. Santa Anna would not only withdraw all troops and not take up arms against Texas again, but would arrange for a favorable reception by the Mexican government of a Texas mission and a treaty of commerce. The Texas border would be the Rio Grande.
Outcome
What happens when promises are not kept?
On May 26, General Vicente Filisola began withdrawing Mexican troops in fulfillment of the public treaty. However, the Texas army blocked Santa Anna's release by the Texas government. Moreover, the Mexican government refused to accept the treaties on the grounds that Santa Anna had signed them as a captive. Since the treaties had now been violated by both sides, they never took effect. Mexico was not to recognize Texas independence until the US-Mexican War was settled by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.
Discuss why promises are important to keep?
What was the result of the Treaties of Velasco?
Together, the treaties somewhat loosely established Texas' southern border at the Rio Grande River, but this issue would not be finally resolved until 1848--after Texas statehood and the conclusion of the Mexican War.
What have we learned?
Who were the two players in these treaties?
Which border?
Nueces River
Rio Grande
Locate Texas
What major changes will occur once the Mexican Army retreats across the Rio Grande River?
Treaty of Velasco Partner Breakdown Activity
In groups of two, analize the Treaty of Velasco that ended the Texas Revolution. Look at each section and write what either Mexico (Sometimes Santa Anna) or Texas or both must do according to the treaty.