Texas Annexation: Annexation Process, Republic of Texas, and Manifest Destiny

Texas Annexation

In 1845, Texas, a former Mexican territory, became the 28th state of the United States. The process of annexation, which had begun in 1836, was a complex and contentious event that spanned nearly a decade.

Annexation Process

Texas' journey to statehood began during the Texas Revolution when Texans voted for annexation to the United States in September 1836. This move, however, was rejected by the Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren administrations. In 1845, President John Tyler pushed for annexation, and it was finally approved by the U.S. Congress on February 27, 1845. Texas officially became the 28th state on December 29, 1845, though the transfer of authority didn't occur until 1846.

The Republic of Texas

Between 1836 and 1845, Texas was an independent country called the Republic of Texas. The republic was founded in 1836 after Texans won their freedom from Mexico. Texas's desire to join the United States was influenced by its shared Anglo-American heritage, its desire to end conflict with Mexico, and its interest in expanding the U.S. slave territory. The annexation of Texas was a significant step in advancing the doctrine of Manifest Destiny—the belief that the United States had the right to expand its territory across North America.

Mexican-American War and Expansion of the United States

The annexation of Texas led to the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) over disputed territory, especially the border between Texas and Mexico. The war resulted in the United States acquiring California, New Mexico, and Arizona, as well as parts of Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming.

Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny played a crucial role in the annexation of Texas. Proponents of Manifest Destiny believed that the United States had the right to expand its territorial holdings across North America. The annexation of Texas was seen as an important step in asserting U.S. dominance in the region.

In summary, the annexation of Texas was a complex and contentious event that spanned nearly a decade. The process of annexation was driven by the United States' desire to expand its territory and the shared Anglo-American heritage of Texas. The annexation of Texas led to the Mexican-American War and the expansion of the United States' territorial holdings.