Jack of Harts

General Santa Anna soon overthrew the old constitution and dismantled the Republican-style government that had grown up in the previous decade. He wanted central rule, and was perfectly willing to execute anyone who stood up to him. As he proved when his army pillaged the rebellious city of Zacatecas in 1835 and killed thousands of civilians. The Tejanos and Texians rebelled, once again, and Santa Anna marched north to deal with them. His army executed hundreds of Texians they found fighting for the rebellion in famous places like Goliad and the Alamo, though the Tejanos were spared that final punishment. Santa Anna was finally defeated and captured at San Jacinto, whereupon he offered to sign a pair of treaties in exchange for his life and freedom. They promised the Mexican armies would leave and accepted Texas independence and sovereignty over all lands north of the Rio Grande. He was then released to go home and the Republic of Texas breathed a collective sigh of relief and celebration that their long-sought freedom was finally at hand. Then the Mexican government renounced the treaties by saying Santa Anna signed them under duress and pledged to retake the rebellious region.