The War of American Aggression

The Battle of Beaumont (Top) and the Battle of the Red River (Bottom)

The War of American Aggression was an armed conflict between the Empire of Texas and the United States of America, starting over a conflict between the governments over whether or not the U.S.A had rightful claims to Texas' land based on their original offer to become a U.S state.

It was the only armed conflict between the United States and Texas, eventually leading to the complete cut-off of all trade between the states.

## Background

### The 1845 offer

In early 1845, the Texan Government offered to become a U.S state if they could not figure out a form of government by their July 1846 deadline. They did not look for other options as president Anson Jones believed that joining the U.S.A was the best option however other government officials believed that it would be best to find another person who could unite the people and help the country

### Declaration of an Empire

By March 1846, the government had come to an agreement and elected Prince William of Prussia as William I. Thinking the U.S.A would get the idea that the Texans did not wish to be absorbed by the United States, however president James K. Polk demanded that unless the two came to an agreement, the 1845 offer remained true.

### Treaty of the Rio Grande

The signing of the Treaty of the Rio Grande by Texas with the Republic of Mexico was the final straw for the U.S.A. The signing showed that Texas was completly independent and not subjected to anyone. A day later they gave the Texans exactly a month to join the United States and submit to its demands or harsh consequences would be dealt. By July 4th, the day of the deadline, there was no Texan response.

## July

### Declaration of War

On July 4th, at 6 a.m. American Troops began entering Texas, followed by President James K. Polk's public speech 4 hours later. As it was the same day that marked 70 years of American existence, it was important and the soldiers were mostly drunk and unprepared.

### Texan Defenses

Quickly, the Emperor rose up with a force of roughly 15,000 and begin a trek north to try and surprise the Americans. It took them about 4 days to reach Dallas, where he joined former president Sam Houston and raised up another 15,000. They then began setting up a headquarters, and began construction of defenses around the city.

### Early American Victories

As the American force of 55,000 marched south they quickly pushed back all of the Texan soldiers and captured a few hundred. The set up camp outside of Denison Texas, just a few miles north of Sherman

### Battle of Sherman

The Battle of Sherman was the first major incursion between the Texans and the Americans. On July 8th a force of 8,000 Texans under General, and ex-president Sam Houston, went up against a force of 13,000 Americans under General Winfield Scott. The Texan force sent up defenses in the few buildings of the city, using gorilla tactics to hid in barns, buildings, and fields. Sam Houston sent out cavalry to stalk the American force, and at 8 a.m., they launched an ambush.

The Texans were successful and quickly a group of fighters led by Houston pushed back the American force, eventually taking over the headquarters in Denison by 6 p.m.

### Battle of Dalhart

Much further north than Sherman, was a force of 500 Texan Cavalry protecting a small city against an oncoming force of 2,000. Historians debate whether this battle was considered a victory by Texas, or a draw as the battle didn't affect the war. The force of 2,000 reached the city of Dalhart on July 9th, and similar to Sherman the Texans intended to ambush the troops. The original push failed and the Texans faced nearly 200 casualties, forcing a retreat

#### The Second Battle of Dalhart

On July 11th, the Texans returned with a new force of 800 and led a dramatic charge on the force. The unexperienced Americans quickly retreated from the city and set up defenses again around the town. The Texans won back control over the town but never made any more advances on the western front.

### The Battles of Sulphur and Jefferson

The two battles were nearly 100 miles apart, however they both took place on July 13th which is why they are often clumped together

#### The Battle of Sulphur

The Battle of Sulphur took place on the 13th of July, about 75 miles outside of Downtown Dallas. The Texan force of 11,000 saw the American force of 18,000 marching and they began racing to encircle them. Using help from several generals, and his own education, Emperor William led the troops by himself and hid apart of the flank in the forests outside of the road which led to Sulphur. The flank then ran out on the road, firing on the men who were singing chants, and the cavalry quickly charged from the main road. Within 2 hours, the road was cleared and the Americans retreated back.

#### The Battle of Jefferson

The Battle of Jefferson took place at the same time with 2,000 Texans and 4,500 Americans. The Americans began charging the city, however after 3 full charges they failed and ended up stopping, instead deciding to just camp outside of the city.

### The Battle of Beaumont

The Battle of Beaumont was the final major battle that took place from July to December, and was the largest battle of the 5 original battles. On July 21st, 1846 a Texan force of 14,500 began a battle outside of the city of Beaumont with an American force of 21,000. They fired for nearly 2 hours until cavalry, supported by the Texans charged at the American lines causing a retreat of the left flank. Taking advantage of this, Texan troops stormed at the retreating flank and began trying to encircle the right flank.

At 3:00p.m., the Texans broke through and began charging on 3 sides of the Americans. Within 2 hours, the Americans had either been killed, surrenders, or retreated

## August-December

### Building Defenses

Following the Battle of Beaumont, there were no major battles as the American troops had retreated far enough, meaning that the Texans has time to began making forts along the border. These forts would help protect the war and stop the Americans in their advances, which is why there was 0 major battles through this whole time

### Small Skirmishes

During the construction of the forts, the Americans sent small skirmishes to cause chaos during construction and behind the lines but no major battles took place as the American troops were exhausted and losing moral from their losses. At the same time, the Emperor was uniting the country through his victories.