Texas Annexation refers to the process by which the Republic of Texas was incorporated into the United States as the 28th state on December 29, 1845. This event was a significant milestone in the broader narrative of territorial expansion and Manifest Destiny, reflecting the growing desire among Americans to expand the nation across the continent.
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The annexation of Texas was highly controversial and fueled tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the U.S., as Texas entered as a slave state.
Prior to its annexation, Texas was an independent republic for nearly a decade after gaining independence from Mexico in 1836.
The U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution for Texas annexation, which was a quicker and more contentious process than a formal treaty would have been.
The annexation contributed to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, as Mexico viewed it as an act of aggression and refused to recognize Texas's independence.
Texas remained a significant symbol of American expansionism and played a crucial role in shaping U.S.-Mexico relations during the 19th century.
Review Questions
How did Texas Annexation reflect the principles of Manifest Destiny?
Texas Annexation exemplified Manifest Destiny as it highlighted the belief that Americans were destined to expand their territory across North America. The desire to incorporate Texas into the United States showcased the growing conviction that it was both a right and duty to spread democracy and civilization westward. This event also demonstrated how expansionist sentiments were intertwined with national identity during this period.
What were some of the political consequences of Texas Annexation for the United States, particularly regarding slavery?
The political consequences of Texas Annexation were significant, particularly concerning the contentious issue of slavery. As Texas entered the Union as a slave state, it intensified the sectional conflict between free and slave states. This division contributed to growing tensions leading up to the Civil War, as Northern states opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, while Southern states supported it, viewing annexation as a victory for their interests.
Evaluate the impact of Texas Annexation on U.S.-Mexico relations and its long-term effects on North America.
Texas Annexation had profound implications for U.S.-Mexico relations, ultimately leading to the Mexican-American War. The annexation was perceived by Mexico as an invasion and an illegitimate claim over territory they still considered theirs. The conflict resulted in significant territorial losses for Mexico, reshaping borders and demographics in North America. In the long term, this set a precedent for future U.S. expansionism and established complex relationships that influenced inter-American diplomacy for decades.
A 19th-century doctrine that expressed the belief that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America, justified by a sense of divine mission.
Republic of Texas: A sovereign nation that existed from 1836 to 1845, after gaining independence from Mexico, before joining the United States through annexation.
A conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, largely driven by the U.S. desire for territorial expansion and fueled by tensions over Texas annexation.