Texas Annexation

Definition

Texas Annexation refers to the incorporation of the Republic of Texas into the United States as its 28th state in 1845. This event was significant because it not only marked a major expansion of U.S. territory but also intensified tensions over slavery, as Texas was a slave state and its annexation contributed to the sectional conflict between the North and South.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836 after the famous Battle of San Jacinto, becoming the Republic of Texas.
2. The annexation of Texas was contentious, leading to political debates and opposition in Congress, particularly among those who feared the expansion of slavery.
3. Texas joined the Union on December 29, 1845, becoming the first state admitted after the original thirteen colonies.
4. The decision to annex Texas contributed to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, as Mexico viewed the annexation as an act of aggression.
5. Following its annexation, Texas's vast land and resources played a critical role in supporting the growth of cotton production, which was central to the Cotton Revolution.

Review Questions

• How did Texas Annexation contribute to sectional tensions in the United States during the mid-19th century?
  • Texas Annexation heightened sectional tensions primarily due to its status as a slave state. The addition of Texas raised fears in the North about the spread of slavery into new territories, leading to fierce political debates about states' rights and federal authority over slavery. This conflict over whether new states would be free or slave states was a significant factor that contributed to growing divisions between North and South, setting the stage for future conflicts.
• Analyze how Manifest Destiny influenced public opinion regarding Texas Annexation and subsequent territorial expansions.
  • Manifest Destiny played a crucial role in shaping public opinion about Texas Annexation by framing it as a divine right and duty of Americans to expand westward. Many viewed the acquisition of Texas not just as an opportunity for economic growth but as part of a larger mission to spread democracy and American culture. This belief fueled popular support for annexation, even amidst concerns about slavery, ultimately leading to further territorial expansions that were justified by similar sentiments.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Texas Annexation on U.S.-Mexico relations and territorial policy in North America.
  • The long-term implications of Texas Annexation on U.S.-Mexico relations were profound, resulting in lasting animosities and conflicts between the two nations. The annexation directly triggered the Mexican-American War, which resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States, including California and New Mexico. These events not only reshaped borders but also set a precedent for future U.S. expansionist policies and created enduring tensions that would impact diplomatic relations for decades to come.

Related terms

Republic of Texas: The independent nation that existed from 1836 to 1845 after breaking away from Mexico, ultimately leading to its annexation by the United States.

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the U.S. throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable, influencing attitudes toward Texas and other territorial acquisitions.

Mexican-American War:

A conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848 that resulted from tensions related to Texas annexation and led to significant territorial gains for the U.S.