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)
If the United States
O 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.
If the United States
O annexed Texas, it would
jeopardize the country's other claims in California.

1 answer

Based on the information typically associated with the historical context of Texas annexation and the issues raised in Congress, the main reasons Congress initially refused to annex Texas that are supported by such maps could include:

  1. If the United States annexed Texas, it would almost certainly mean war with Mexico. - This was a significant concern as Mexico still viewed Texas as part of its territory after the 1836 Texan revolution.

  2. If the United States annexed Texas, it would enter as a free state and anger Southerners. - This statement may not align with historical facts, as Texas was a slave state, but the concern about the balance of power between free and slave states was a key factor.

  3. If the United States annexed Texas, slave states would almost certainly outnumber free states. - This concern played a role in the debate over annexation, as there was fear of disrupting the balance in Congress.

The statement regarding jeopardizing claims in California was less of a primary concern compared to the issues of war with Mexico and the balance between free and slave states.

In summary, the first, second (with a caveat), and third points are the most relevant in understanding Congress's hesitation regarding the annexation of Texas.