A map titled “Free and Slave States and Territories, 1845” shows the boundaries of states and territories and classifies them based on the legality of slavery there in 1845.

Question

The following states and territories were free:

Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Connecticut
New York
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Michigan
Indiana
Illinois
Wisconsin Territory
Unorganized Territory
Oregon Country
Slavery was still legal in the following states and territories:

Delaware
Maryland
Virginia
North Carolina
South Carolina
Georgia
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama
Mississippi
Missouri
Arkansas
Louisiana
Florida Territory
an unnamed territory north of the Republic of Texas covering most of present-day Oklahoma.
Question
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.
If the United States annexed Texas, it would jeopardize the country’s other claims in California.

Answer 1

Based on the information provided in the map and historical context, 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 valid concern since Mexico viewed Texas as a part of its territory after its independence and would likely react aggressively to annexation.

2. If the United States annexed Texas, it would enter as a free state and anger Southerners.

   • This statement is not supported by historical context, as Texas was a slave state when it was an independent republic. Southern states were more concerned about maintaining a balance of power, thus opposing adding a free state.

3. If the United States annexed Texas, slave states would almost certainly outnumber free states.

   • This concern aligns with the dynamics at the time. Adding Texas, a slave state, would increase the number of slave states in the Union, potentially tipping the balance in favor of slavery.

4. If the United States annexed Texas, it would jeopardize the country’s other claims in California.

   • While the annexation of Texas could influence claims in California, this was not the primary reason for delaying the annexation. The focus was more on the impact of slavery and relations with Mexico.

From the options provided, the primary reasons supported by the context of the map and historical events are:

• If the United States annexed Texas, it would almost certainly mean war with Mexico.
• If the United States annexed Texas, slave states would almost certainly outnumber free states.