Looking at the map, why do you think that Congress would hesitate to annex the Republic of Texas?

Answer 1

There could be several reasons why Congress might have hesitated to annex the Republic of Texas when analyzing the map. Some possible reasons include:

1. Slavery Issue: The annexation of Texas would have brought in a large territory where slavery was legal. At the time, there was an ongoing debate and division between the North and South regarding the expansion of slavery, which ultimately led to the American Civil War. Annexing Texas might have intensified this conflict between the pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in Congress.

2. Balance of Power: Annexing Texas would have further tilted the balance of power in Congress towards the slaveholding South. This could have concerned representatives from the Northern states who feared the expansion of the South's influence and the potential for further pro-slavery legislation.

3. Diplomatic Tensions: The Republic of Texas had unresolved border disputes with Mexico, which had never recognized Texas as an independent nation. Annexing Texas would potentially mean inheriting these territorial conflicts and the risk of being drawn into a war with Mexico. Congress might have been cautious about getting entangled in such conflicts.

4. Financial Concerns: The Republic of Texas had accumulated significant debts during its independent years. Annexation would have meant assuming those debts, which could have been a financial burden for the United States. This could have been a point of hesitation for Congress.

5. Indigenous Territories: The map might have showcased indigenous territories within the Republic of Texas. Annexing Texas would have raised questions about how these indigenous nations would be treated and whether their land and rights would be respected. Congress might have been apprehensive about the potential consequences and challenges of incorporating these territories and their populations.

It is important to note that these are some potential reasons based on the historical context of the period. Congress ultimately did annex Texas in 1845, but it was not without significant debate and controversy.