Santa Anna it seemed was one of those people in history that no matter what is thrown at him he is somehow able to survive and cause more calamity to everyone around him. Coming out of retirement during the so called Pastry War with Mexico vs France, Santa Anna lead forces at Vera Cruz where he was famously shot in the leg and hand, the former being amputated with military honors.
Now what if instead that French grapeshot had aimed abit higher and hit things more vital, killing Santa Anna? What would happen to Mexico? Consequences for its integrity (A Successful Republic of Rio Grande?!)? Without attacking Texas how would it affect their choice to join the US? Who would take over in the government? etc???