A video series that introduces students to true Texas History.

Lesson Plans and Resources

  • Episode 1: Season of Revolution

    The story of the Texas Revolution is the story of ourselves: who we are, how we came to be, and what we mean.

    Resources

  • Episode 2: Season of Defeat

    Learn the disturbing—and true—story of the Goliad massacre. More than 400 brave Texian prisoners of war were killed by Mexican Gen. Santa Anna’s troops, in defiance of the accepted rules of war. Instead of crushing a rebellion, he added fuel to the flame of revolution.

    Resources

  • Episode 3: Season of Victory

    Explore the Battle of San Jacinto, a fight some historians have referred to as "one of the most one-sided victories in history." General Sam Houston and some 900 Texians faced Santa Anna’s approximately 1,300 troops on April 21, 1836 in what would ultimately decide the fate of Texas’ Independence.

    Resources

  • Episode 4: The Long Ride

    A group of Texas Rangers investigate a massacre of a ranch family in the early days of the Texas Republic.

    Resources

  • Episode 5: Trailboss

    A young girl in late 1800s Texas is forced to manage the sale of her family's cattle after the head of the family falls ill.

    Resources

  • Episode 6: Home

    Two Vietnamese sibling refugees must navigate their new lives in Houston, Texas following the Vietnam War.

    Resources

Note to teachers:

The resources included for students are designed to supplement your lessons on the Texas Revolution and accompany the Forging Texas video series produced by the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

The history of Texas is unique. It represents a microcosm the story of the United States and embodies the American spirit. Like the United States, Texas fought for its freedom. Texas fought the Texas Revolution and won its independence from Mexico in 1836. From 1836 until 1845, Texas was its own nation. Texas officially joined the United States by treaty in December 1845. Texas has a rich and proud history, and the Lone Star State’s spirit of independence lives on to this day.

Prior to using these videos and activities, students should have the following background knowledge of:

  • The reasons Americans settled in Texas

  • The benefits Americans experienced in Texas

  • The political, economic, and social difficulties Americans experienced in Texas

Students should be familiar with the following people and events:

  • Stephen F. Austin

  • Sam Houston

  • Santa Anna

  • Texian

  • Texas Rangers

  • Immigration in Texas

  • The Alamo

  • Goliad

  • San Jacinto

  • Tejano

  • Chisholm Trail

  • Civil Rights in Texas

Incorporated into each set of activities are highlighted verbs to alert teachers and students to the level of development and complexity of learning as indicated in Bloom’s taxonomy. The post view included at the end of each lesson requires student reflections which underscore the values that inspired Texans then and now. As a final note, please be mindful that some of these videos, while not gratuitous, do depict violence and should be previewed by you and parents before showing to students.

For more great information on all things Texas, visit: