Goliad Massacre

Definition

The Goliad Massacre was a notorious event that occurred during the Texas Revolution, where Mexican forces under the command of General José de Urrea executed over 400 Texian prisoners of war. This tragic incident was a significant turning point in the struggle for Texas independence from Mexico.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Goliad Massacre took place on March 27, 1836, when Mexican forces under General Urrea executed over 400 Texian prisoners of war who had surrendered at the Battle of Coleto Creek.
2. The prisoners, led by Colonel James Fannin, were marched out of the Presidio La Bahía in Goliad, Texas, and then systematically shot by the Mexican soldiers.
3. The Goliad Massacre was a reprisal for the Texian victory at the Battle of the Alamo, where Mexican forces had been defeated by the Texian rebels.
4. The brutal killings at Goliad outraged the Texian population and galvanized support for the Texas Revolution, leading to the eventual victory at the Battle of San Jacinto.
5. The Goliad Massacre is considered one of the most infamous events of the Texas Revolution and a significant turning point in the struggle for Texas independence.

Review Questions

• Describe the events and circumstances surrounding the Goliad Massacre.
  • The Goliad Massacre occurred on March 27, 1836, when Mexican forces under the command of General José de Urrea executed over 400 Texian prisoners of war who had surrendered at the Battle of Coleto Creek. The prisoners, led by Colonel James Fannin, were marched out of the Presidio La Bahía in Goliad, Texas, and then systematically shot by the Mexican soldiers. This brutal act was a reprisal for the Texian victory at the Battle of the Alamo, where Mexican forces had been defeated by the Texian rebels. The Goliad Massacre outraged the Texian population and galvanized support for the Texas Revolution, ultimately leading to the Texian victory at the Battle of San Jacinto.
• Analyze the significance of the Goliad Massacre in the context of the Texas Revolution.
  • The Goliad Massacre was a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution, as it served to galvanize Texian support for the independence movement. The brutal execution of over 400 Texian prisoners of war by Mexican forces under General Urrea was seen as a reprisal for the Texian victory at the Alamo, further fueling the Texians' determination to fight for their freedom. The massacre outraged the Texian population and strengthened their resolve to continue the struggle for independence. Additionally, the Goliad Massacre is considered a significant turning point in the Texas Revolution, as it contributed to the eventual Texian victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas' independence from Mexico.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Goliad Massacre on the outcome of the Texas Revolution.
  • The Goliad Massacre had a profound and lasting impact on the Texas Revolution. The brutal execution of the Texian prisoners of war by Mexican forces under General Urree served to galvanize Texian support for the independence movement, as the massacre was seen as a reprisal for the Texian victory at the Alamo. This outrage and determination to avenge their fallen comrades contributed to the Texian victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, which ultimately secured Texas' independence from Mexico. The Goliad Massacre is considered a significant turning point in the revolution, as it demonstrated the Mexican government's willingness to use extreme violence against the Texian rebels, further fueling the Texians' resolve to fight for their freedom. The long-term impact of the massacre was a strengthening of Texian nationalism and a hardening of their position against Mexican rule, ultimately leading to the successful establishment of the Republic of Texas.

Related terms

Texas Revolution: The armed conflict between Mexico and Texas that lasted from 1835 to 1836, ultimately leading to Texas' independence from Mexico.

Texians: The settlers and immigrants from the United States who lived in the Mexican territory of Texas during the early 19th century.

José de Urrea: A Mexican general who led the forces that carried out the Goliad Massacre and other military operations against the Texian rebels.