Use the map to answer the question. What main reason Congress initially refused to annex Texas is supported by the information on this map? Select all that apply. (1 point) Responses If the United States annexed Texas, it would almost certainly mean war with Mexico. If the United States annexed Texas, it would almost certainly mean war with Mexico. If the United States annexed Texas, it would enter as a free state and anger Southerners. If the United States annexed Texas, it would enter as a free state and anger Southerners. If the United States annexed Texas, slave states would almost certainly outnumber free states. If the United States annexed Texas, slave states would almost certainly outnumber free states. If the United States annexed Texas, it would jeopardize the country’s other claims in California.

1 answer

Based on the context provided and historical reasoning, the main reasons Congress initially refused to annex Texas include:

  1. If the United States annexed Texas, it would almost certainly mean war with Mexico. - This is a significant concern, as Mexico still considered Texas to be part of its territory after Texas won independence in 1836.

  2. If the United States annexed Texas, it would enter as a free state and anger Southerners. - Although Texas was a slave state, there were concerns about the balance of power between free and slave states, which was a contentious issue at the time.

  3. If the United States annexed Texas, slave states would almost certainly outnumber free states. - This concern over maintaining a balance of power between slave and free states was a significant issue that influenced Congress's decision-making.

The point regarding jeopardizing claims in California does not apply directly to the annexation debate of Texas in this context, making it less relevant.

Based on this analysis, the relevant responses would be:

  • If the United States annexed Texas, it would almost certainly mean war with Mexico.
  • If the United States annexed Texas, it would enter as a free state and anger Southerners.
  • If the United States annexed Texas, slave states would almost certainly outnumber free states.