15 Questions
Why did the United States initially choose not to annex Texas after it gained independence in 1836?
Annexing Texas would have increased tensions around slavery spreading into the West and the potential for war with Mexico.
What were the main reasons for Texans wanting to be annexed by the United States in 1836?
Political and economic advantages, and military protection against Mexico and Native American peoples.
Who initially rejected the annexation of Texas due to the issue of slavery in the West?
President Andrew Jackson and President Martin Van Buren
What was the strategic significance of Texas that led President John Tyler to annex it in 1845?
Its strategic position near the port of New Orleans and the doctrine of Manifest Destiny driving American expansion.
What was the belief driving American expansion from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean?
Manifest Destiny
When did Texas become the 28th state of the United States?
1845
What event marked the end of the Texas Revolution?
Texas won independence from Mexico
Who coined the term 'Manifest Destiny'?
John O'Sullivan
What was a reason for Texans to declare independence from Mexico?
Desire to keep their slaves
When did Texas officially join the United States?
1845
What was the major industry in Texas after annexation?
Cotton production
Which president favored annexing Texas and sent an offer on his last day in office?
John Tyler
What was the only remaining territory in the way of Manifest Destiny after Texas joined the United States?
Oregon Territory
What was the outcome of the Texas Revolution?
Texas became independent
What was the border established by the Oregon Treaty of 1846?
49 degrees latitude
Study Notes
Manifest Destiny and the Annexation of Texas
- The concept of the United States spanning the North American continent was not new, leading President Thomas Jefferson to purchase the Louisiana Territory before sending Lewis and Clark on their expedition.
- The term "Manifest Destiny" was coined by journalist John O'Sullivan in 1845, advocating for the annexation of Texas.
- The issue of slavery became a reason for Texans to declare independence from Mexico, as they wanted to keep their slaves.
- Texas requested annexation by the United States in 1836, but differing viewpoints on slavery expansion delayed the process for almost ten years.
- President John Tyler strongly favored annexing Texas and sent an offer of annexation on his last day in office, which Texas accepted.
- The Texas Revolution resulted in Mexico recognizing Texas's independence in the Treaty of Velasco after a brief war.
- The debate in Congress over annexing Texas was heated, with opponents fearing it would spread slavery further west and potentially lead to war with Mexico.
- Texas officially joined the United States on July 4, 1845, after Congress approved the annexation treaty, becoming the 28th state.
- After annexation, Texas became a major cotton producer and player in the cattle trade, and the discovery of oil in the late 19th century led to further development and migration.
- With Texas now part of the United States, the Oregon Territory was the only remaining territory in the way of Manifest Destiny.
- President Polk negotiated the Oregon Treaty with Great Britain in 1846, establishing the border at 49 degrees latitude.
- The annexation of Texas led to tensions with Mexico, ultimately contributing to the Mexican-American War over the disputed border between Texas and Mexico.
Test your knowledge of the Annexation of Texas and the concept of Manifest Destiny with this quiz. Learn about the historical events surrounding Texas's request to join the United States, the debates over slavery expansion, and the impact of Manifest Destiny on American expansion westward.
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