Texas History Unit 2 Review: Republic of Texas and Early Statehood

Key Events and Timeline

• Texas Revolution began in October 1835 with the Battle of Gonzales, the first armed conflict between Texian settlers and Mexican troops
• The Siege of the Alamo occurred from February 23 to March 6, 1836, resulting in the deaths of all Texian defenders, including William B. Travis, James Bowie, and Davy Crockett
  • The battle became a symbol of heroic resistance and a rallying cry for Texas independence
• The Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, saw Texian forces led by Sam Houston defeat the Mexican army under Santa Anna in just 18 minutes
  • Santa Anna was captured and forced to sign the Treaties of Velasco, recognizing Texas independence
• The Republic of Texas was officially established on March 2, 1836, with the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence
• The Republic of Texas existed as an independent nation from 1836 to 1845
• Texas was annexed by the United States on December 29, 1845, becoming the 28th state in the Union
• The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) resulted from disputes over the annexation of Texas and ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, establishing the Rio Grande as the border between Texas and Mexico

Political Structure and Leadership

• The Republic of Texas was a constitutional republic with a system of checks and balances similar to the United States
• The executive branch was led by the President of the Republic of Texas, elected to a three-year term
  • Sam Houston served as the first and third President of the Republic (1836-1838, 1841-1844)
  • Mirabeau B. Lamar served as the second President (1838-1841)
  • Anson Jones served as the last President of the Republic (1844-1846)
• The legislative branch consisted of a bicameral Congress, with a Senate and House of Representatives
• The judicial branch was headed by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Texas
• The Constitution of the Republic of Texas, adopted in 1836, guaranteed individual rights and freedoms, such as freedom of religion and the right to bear arms
• The capital of the Republic of Texas moved several times, from Washington-on-the-Brazos to Harrisburg, Galveston, Velasco, Columbia, Houston, and finally to Austin in 1839

Economic Development

• The economy of the Republic of Texas was primarily based on agriculture, with cotton and sugar cane being the main cash crops
  • Slave labor was widely used on plantations, contributing to the growth of the cotton industry
• Cattle ranching emerged as a significant economic activity, with the iconic Texas Longhorn becoming a symbol of the state
• The Republic of Texas faced financial challenges due to a lack of a stable currency and revenue sources
  • The government issued paper money and bonds, but these often depreciated in value
• Trade relations were established with the United States and European nations, particularly France and Great Britain
• The Republic of Texas encouraged immigration to boost population growth and economic development
  • The Empresario system, which granted land to settlers who recruited additional immigrants, was used to attract new residents
• The discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 (after statehood) would later transform the Texas economy and lead to the growth of the petroleum industry

Social and Cultural Landscape

• The population of the Republic of Texas was diverse, consisting of Anglos (primarily from the southern United States), Tejanos (Mexican Texans), African Americans (mostly enslaved), and various Native American tribes
• Anglo-American settlers brought with them the culture and traditions of the American South, including slavery and a strong sense of individualism
• Tejano culture, a blend of Mexican and Spanish influences, was prevalent in many parts of Texas, particularly in the southern and western regions
• The Republic of Texas officially recognized Catholicism and Protestantism, but religious freedom was guaranteed in the Constitution
• Education was valued, and several institutions of higher learning were established during this period, such as Baylor University (1845) and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (1845)
• The legend of the Texas Rangers, a mounted law enforcement agency, began during the Republic era, with the Rangers playing a significant role in border protection and Indian relations

Relations with Mexico and Native Americans

• Relations between the Republic of Texas and Mexico remained tense after the Texas Revolution, with Mexico refusing to recognize Texas independence
• The Republic of Texas claimed the Rio Grande as its southern border, while Mexico insisted on the Nueces River, leading to ongoing border disputes
• Several Native American tribes, including the Comanche, Apache, and Karankawa, inhabited Texas during this period
• The Republic of Texas adopted a policy of Indian removal, seeking to relocate Native American tribes to designated areas or reservations
  • The Mirabeau B. Lamar administration (1838-1841) pursued a particularly aggressive policy towards Native Americans, leading to increased conflict
• The Council House Fight (1840) and the Battle of Plum Creek (1840) were notable clashes between Texian forces and Comanche warriors
• Sam Houston, during his second term as President (1841-1844), sought to establish peace treaties with Native American tribes, but tensions and conflicts persisted

Path to U.S. Statehood

• The United States initially declined to annex Texas as a state due to concerns over the legality of slavery and potential conflict with Mexico
• The Republic of Texas faced mounting debt and security challenges, making U.S. annexation an attractive option for many Texans
• The U.S. presidential election of 1844 saw the victory of James K. Polk, a strong advocate for Texas annexation
• The U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution offering Texas statehood in February 1845, which was accepted by the Texas Congress in July 1845
• A state constitution was drafted and ratified, and Texas officially became the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845
• The annexation of Texas contributed to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), as Mexico still claimed the territory as its own

Legacy and Impact on Modern Texas

• The Republic of Texas era laid the foundation for the state's unique cultural identity, blending elements of Southern, Western, and Mexican influences
• The concept of "Texan exceptionalism," or the belief in the special character and destiny of Texas, can be traced back to the Republic period
• The Texas Constitution, adopted in 1876 and still in use today (with amendments), reflects many of the principles and values established during the Republic era
• The legend of the Alamo and the heroism of its defenders continues to inspire Texans and serves as a symbol of the state's fight for independence
• The economic foundations laid during the Republic period, particularly in agriculture and ranching, continue to shape Texas's modern economy
• The border between Texas and Mexico, established in the aftermath of the Mexican-American War, remains a significant issue in contemporary Texas politics and culture
• The legacy of slavery and racial segregation, which were present during the Republic era, has had lasting impacts on Texas society and continues to influence discussions of social justice and equality