December 29, 1845
The Republic of Texas was annexed by the United States, becoming the 28th state. This event was a pivotal moment in the expansion of the United States and contributed to tensions leading up to the Mexican-American War.
Austin, United States | United States Congress
On December 29, 1845, the Republic of Texas was officially annexed by the United States, becoming the 28th state. This event marked a significant moment in the territorial expansion of the United States and played a crucial role in the geopolitical landscape of North America during the mid-19th century.
The Republic of Texas: Texas declared its independence from Mexico in 1836 following the Texas Revolution. The Republic of Texas existed as an independent nation for nearly a decade, during which it sought recognition and support from other countries, including the United States.
U.S. Interest in Texas: The United States had shown interest in Texas even before its independence, primarily due to its strategic location and fertile lands. Many American settlers had moved to Texas, and there was a strong cultural and economic connection between Texas and the U.S.
Annexation Efforts: Efforts to annex Texas began soon after its independence, but were initially stalled due to concerns over the expansion of slavery and potential conflict with Mexico, which still considered Texas part of its territory.
Presidential Support: The annexation gained momentum under President John Tyler, who saw it as a means to strengthen the United States. Tyler initiated the process by proposing a treaty of annexation in 1844, which was initially rejected by the Senate.
Joint Resolution: A more successful approach came through a joint resolution of Congress, which required a simple majority rather than the two-thirds majority needed for a treaty. This resolution was passed on March 1, 1845.
Texas Acceptance: The Republic of Texas accepted the terms of annexation, and on December 29, 1845, Texas was formally admitted to the Union as the 28th state.
Expansion of Slavery: The annexation of Texas added a large slaveholding state to the Union, intensifying the national debate over slavery and contributing to sectional tensions between the North and South.
Mexican-American War: The annexation exacerbated tensions with Mexico, which did not recognize Texas’s independence. These tensions eventually led to the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), a conflict that resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and other areas.
Manifest Destiny: The annexation of Texas was a manifestation of the concept of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent. This ideology drove further expansionist policies in the subsequent decades.
The annexation of Texas was a pivotal event in American history, shaping the nation’s territorial boundaries and influencing its political and social dynamics. It set the stage for further expansion and conflict, leaving a lasting impact on the United States and its relationship with neighboring countries.
Source: en.wikipedia.org