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Questions and Answers
What was the primary focus of Hardin R. Runnels during the 1857 governor's race?
What was the primary focus of Hardin R. Runnels during the 1857 governor's race?
What was the outcome for Sam Houston in the 1859 governor's race?
What was the outcome for Sam Houston in the 1859 governor's race?
What event occurred on July 8, 1860, that heightened fears in Texas?
What event occurred on July 8, 1860, that heightened fears in Texas?
How did the Democratic Party's position on slavery affect their convention in 1860?
How did the Democratic Party's position on slavery affect their convention in 1860?
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What was the outcome of the referendum held on February 23, 1861, regarding secession in Texas?
What was the outcome of the referendum held on February 23, 1861, regarding secession in Texas?
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What stance did Sam Houston take regarding the oath to the Confederacy?
What stance did Sam Houston take regarding the oath to the Confederacy?
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Which political group was known as the 'Party of Andrew Jackson and Sam Houston'?
Which political group was known as the 'Party of Andrew Jackson and Sam Houston'?
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Which candidate did the Southern Democrats nominate in 1860?
Which candidate did the Southern Democrats nominate in 1860?
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Study Notes
1857 Texas Governor's Race
- Hardin Runnels won the 1857 Texas gubernatorial election.
- His platform included reopening the African slave trade.
- Sam Houston opposed Runnels, advocating for remaining in the Union.
1859 Texas Governor's Race
- Sam Houston won the 1859 Texas gubernatorial election.
- His campaign focused on criticizing Runnels' handling of Indian raids.
- Runnels prioritized slavery in his administration.
The Texas Troubles of 1860
- Fires in Dallas and Denton in July 1860 fueled fears of slave insurrection.
- Many North Texans blamed Kansas abolitionists.
- Over 50 people were lynched as a result.
Mid-Century Texas Politics
- The Democrats were predominantly slaveholders.
- Whigs included pro-Union Democrats, planters, professionals, and bankers.
- Know-Nothings were nativists, anti-Catholic, and opposed to Democrats.
- Republicans were abolitionists.
1860 Democratic Convention and Presidential Nominees
- The 1860 Democratic Convention was split on the issue of slavery.
- Southern Democrats nominated John C. Breckinridge on a proslavery platform.
- Northern Democrats nominated Stephen A. Douglas on an anti-slavery platform.
- The Whigs and Know-Nothings formed the Constitutional Union Party, nominating John Bell.
1860 Republican Nomination and Secession
- Republicans nominated Abraham Lincoln, whose platform opposed slavery.
- Lincoln's election prompted secession movements in the South.
Secession in Texas: Deciding Factors and Key Players
- Slavery and Indian issues were key deciding factors in Texas's secession.
- Sam Houston initially opposed secession but eventually conceded to a popular vote.
- Secessionists ranged from radical to moderate, as did Unionists.
- Many Texas congressmen pushed for a secession convention.
Secession Vote and Houston's Removal
- A February 23, 1861 referendum on secession showed 46,188 votes in favor and 15,149 against.
- Governor Houston refused to swear an oath to the Confederacy.
- The Texas Congress declared his office vacant.
- Houston died two years later.
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Description
Explore the political landscape of Texas during the mid-19th century. This quiz covers key gubernatorial races, the shifting ideologies of political parties, and the social tensions surrounding slavery and abolitionism. Test your knowledge on the events leading up to the Civil War in Texas.
