Annexation of Texas event leading up to becoming part of the US

Answer 1

The annexation of Texas was a significant event that eventually led to Texas becoming part of the United States. The process involved several key events and factors:

1. Texas Independence: Texas was originally part of Mexico, but in 1836, a rebellion led by American settlers resulted in the establishment of the independent Republic of Texas. The Texas Revolution, which culminated in the Battle of San Jacinto, secured Texas' independence from Mexico.

2. Manifest Destiny: The concept of Manifest Destiny, prevalent in the 19th century, was the belief that the United States was destined to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean. Many Americans saw Texas, with its large size and potential for economic development, as an ideal prospect for expansion.

3. Annexation Treaty of 1844: In 1844, President John Tyler negotiated an annexation treaty between the United States and Texas. However, due to strong opposition from anti-slavery advocates, the treaty failed to receive the required two-thirds majority in the Senate.

4. Election of James K. Polk: In the 1844 presidential election, James K. Polk, a pro-expansion candidate, campaigned on a platform that included the annexation of Texas. Polk's victory ensured that annexation would become a top priority of his administration.

5. Joint Resolution of Annexation: In 1845, President Polk and Congress pursued an alternative path to annexation. They passed a joint resolution, which required a simple majority vote in both houses of Congress, providing for the admission of Texas as a state.

6. Acceptance of Annexation: The Republic of Texas accepted the offer of annexation and duly voted on the issue in October 1845, with an overwhelming majority in favor. This set the stage for Texas to officially become part of the United States.

7. Admission to the Union: On December 29, 1845, Texas was admitted into the Union as the 28th state of the United States.

It is important to note that the annexation of Texas was a highly controversial issue due to its potential impact on the balance of power between free and slave states in the United States. It ultimately set the stage for the Mexican-American War and had significant consequences for the expansion and development of the United States.