Mexico’s congress never recognized Texan independence, arguing that General Santa Anna had granted it under duress.
When the United States moved to annex Texas in 1845, Mexico cut off diplomatic relations, which is often a first step toward war.
Mexican general and dictator Santa Anna led an eventful career. He gained power as leader of the Mexican troops who defeated the Spanish at Tampico in 1829 and became president in 1833.
His defeats in the Mexican War sent him into exile, but he returned to power in Mexico from 1853 to 1855, when he was forced into exile again. He remained in exile until his death in 1876.
