The Annexation of Texas TEXAS JOINS THE UNITED

The Annexation of Texas TEXAS JOINS THE UNITED STATES

What is Annexation – Secession –

What is Annexation – a state (Texas) joining the US Secession – a state leaving the US

After Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836, the people of Texas voted for annexation. But the US did not make an offer to annex the Republic of Texas. The American people were divided.

Northerners did not want Texas to be admitted to the Union as a slave state because it would tip the balance of power in Congress toward the south.

However most southerners wanted Texas to join the Union.

Some Americans even feared that annexing Texas would spark a war with Mexico.

Houston and Lamar also disagreed about annexation. • Houston favored annexation. • Lamar opposed annexation.

The Republic of Texas had begun to establish foreign relations with other countries. Texas was eager to have other nations recognize its status as an independent nation. The US, France, Great Britain, Belgium, and the Netherlands all recognized the Republic of Texas. But Mexico still refused.

The Republic of Texas had serious economic problems. It could not balance its budget or pay off its debts. If Texas was annexed by the US, the US would pay Texas’s debts and provide a sound money system.

The US would also provide Texas with a postal system.

The US could also offer military protection. The US military was much bigger and better established. The US military could help with conflicts with Mexico and the Native Americans.

Plus most Texans were originally from the US and many still had families living there. Texas and the US shared strong business connections. Most Texans felt strong ties to the US and wanted to be part of that country again.

In early 1845 Mexico offered to recognize the Republic of Texas only if they promised not to be annexed by any nation. Mexico wanted to prevent US annexation of Texas to block further US expansion.

Texans had a choice: They could accept the Mexican offer, remain independent, and have a secure relationship with their southern neighbor – Mexico. Or they could reject the agreement and try to join the US. What would you choose?

U. S. president John Tyler, a southerner, favored annexation.

In 1844 Tyler sent an annexation treaty to the U. S. Senate for approval.

Under the treaty, Texas would become a U. S. territory – the first step toward becoming a state.

The treaty called for the U. S. to pay the Republic’s large public debt. In exchange, Texas would give all its public lands to the federal government.

Some senators warned that annexing Texas would spark a war with Mexico.

The debate came at a time when many U. S. settlers were moving westward searching for opportunity and economic growth.

Many Americans believed that the U. S. was meant to expand across North America.

The term used to describe this belief was called manifest destiny.

The annexation treaty and manifest destiny became important issues in the U. S. presidential election of 1844.

The political parties held different positions on these issues.

The Democratic Party nominated, or chose as its candidate, James K. Polk who wanted the U. S. to annex Texas.

Polk won the election over Henry Clay who opposed annexation. James Polk Henry Clay

Before leaving office, Tyler requested that both houses of Congress pass a joint resolution, or formal expression of intent, for annexation. John Tyler

In February 1845 the U. S. Congress passed the joint resolution to annex Texas.

Texas would enter as a state rather than a territory and would have to write a new constitution.

Texas president Anson Jones believed that the final decision should be made by the people of Texas.

The delegates to the Convention of 1845 assembled in Austin on July 4, 1845, and quickly approved annexation.

Texans were proud of being independent, but there were good reasons for joining the U. S.

Many were originally from the U. S. and still had family there. The U. S. would provide the following: 1 military protection 2 reliable money system 3 postal service

Texas joins the U. S. James Polk On December 29, 1845, President Polk signed the Texas Admission Act, making Texas the 28 th state.

Anson Jones: The last President of the Republic of Texas James Pinckney Henderson: The first governor of the State of Texas