Which major event contributed to the formation of the Republic of Texas?

The surrender of Santa Anna is a significant event in the history of Texas because it marked the end of the Texas Revolution and led directly to Texas becoming an independent republic. After Santa Anna, the President of Mexico, was captured by the Texian army during the pivotal Battle of San Jacinto, he signed the Treaties of Velasco. These treaties recognized the independence of Texas and established the boundaries of the new republic.

This event was crucial because it effectively ended the conflict between Texas and Mexico, allowing Texas to assert itself as a separate entity rather than a Mexican territory. The surrender not only symbolized a decisive victory for Texian forces but also significantly altered the political landscape in North America, paving the way for later events, such as the eventual annexation of Texas by the United States.

Although the other events listed have historical importance, they occurred either after Texas had already declared its independence or were not directly related to its formation as a republic. The signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, for example, took place after Texas had already gained independence, and the Battle of San Jacinto was crucial in securing that independence, but it was the surrender of Santa Anna that facilitated the diplomatic recognition needed for the Republic of Texas to be established.