After the fall of the Alamo in March 1836, Antonio López de Santa Anna's campaign in Texas continued, ultimately leading to his capture and a significant shift in his political trajectory.
Initially, after the successful, albeit costly, siege of the Alamo, Santa Anna felt he had regained honor and considered his mission in Texas largely accomplished. However, under counsel, he decided to launch one final, decisive sweep to crush the Texan rebellion entirely. He strategically divided his army, aiming to cover more ground and eliminate scattered pockets of resistance. This aggressive campaign set the stage for the climactic Battle of San Jacinto.
The Path to San Jacinto
Following the Alamo, Santa Anna's pursuit of the Texan forces under Sam Houston was relentless. His decision to divide his forces, while intended to sweep the land more effectively, also left his smaller contingents vulnerable.
- Division of Forces: Santa Anna split his army into several columns to pursue different groups of Texans, believing the rebellion was on the verge of collapse.
- Pursuit of Houston: He personally led a column in pursuit of Sam Houston's main Texan army, which was retreating eastward.
This pursuit led Santa Anna to the plains near the San Jacinto River, where he expected to finally defeat the Texan army.
The Battle of San Jacinto and Capture
On April 21, 1836, just weeks after the Alamo, Santa Anna's forces were decisively defeated by Sam Houston's Texan army at the Battle of San Jacinto. The battle was a resounding victory for the Texans, lasting only about 18 minutes.
Key Outcomes of San Jacinto:
- Surprise Attack: The Texans launched a surprise attack during the Mexican army's afternoon siesta.
- Decisive Defeat: The Mexican army was routed, suffering heavy casualties.
- Santa Anna's Capture: Santa Anna himself attempted to escape but was captured the following day, dressed as a common soldier. He was identified when his own men saluted him.
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Fall of the Alamo | March 6, 1836 | Santa Anna's victory, followed by his decision to continue campaign. |
| Battle of San Jacinto | April 21, 1836 | Decisive Texan victory, Santa Anna's capture. |
| Treaties of Velasco | May 14, 1836 | Santa Anna signs treaties recognizing Texas independence. |
Imprisonment and Release
After his capture, Santa Anna was brought before Sam Houston. To secure his freedom and prevent further bloodshed, Santa Anna signed the Treaties of Velasco, in which he agreed to withdraw Mexican troops from Texas and recognize Texas's independence. While these treaties were later repudiated by the Mexican government, they were crucial in ending the immediate conflict.
He was held as a prisoner of war for several months. In November 1836, he was sent to Washington D.C., where he met with President Andrew Jackson, before finally returning to Mexico in early 1837.
Later Life and Political Career
Santa Anna's defeat and capture after the Alamo did not mark the end of his tumultuous political career. Despite the humiliation, he managed to regain power multiple times in Mexico, often through a combination of military prowess, political maneuvering, and periods of exile.
- Return to Power: He would serve as Mexico's president or dictator on and off for several more decades, often during periods of crisis.
- Mexican-American War: He played a significant, though ultimately unsuccessful, role in the Mexican-American War (1846–1848).
- Final Exile and Death: After being overthrown for the last time in 1855, he lived in exile for many years. He was eventually allowed to return to Mexico in 1874 and died quietly in Mexico City in 1876 at the age of 82.
His actions after the Alamo, particularly his relentless pursuit of the Texan army that culminated in his defeat and capture at San Jacinto, fundamentally altered the course of the Texas Revolution and his own complex legacy.
