why was texas annexation in 1845 a turning point in texas and u.s history

Answer 1

The annexation of Texas in 1845 was a significant turning point in both Texas and U.S. history for several reasons:

1. Expansion of Slavery: At the time of annexation, Texas was a slaveholding territory. By joining the United States, it added a large slave state to the Union, which further intensified the debate and tension between the North and South over the expansion of slavery. This ultimately led to the Civil War in the 1860s.

2. Manifest Destiny: The annexation of Texas was seen as a fulfillment of the concept of Manifest Destiny, which was a belief held by many Americans that the United States should expand its territory from coast to coast. This concept influenced subsequent U.S. territorial expansion, including the acquisition of the western territories such as California, Oregon, and the Southwest.

3. Border Disputes: Annexation led to disputes over the borders between Texas and Mexico. The Mexican government refused to recognize the annexation and still claimed Texas as its territory, leading to the Mexican-American War in 1846-1848. This war resulted in the United States acquiring significant territories from Mexico, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas.

4. Texas Statehood: The annexation of Texas as a state marked the admission of the 28th state into the Union, expanding the geographical and political influence of the United States. Texas became the largest state in terms of area and played a vital role in the Civil War, primarily on the side of the Confederacy.

5. Redrawing of Political Boundaries: Texas' annexation resulted in the redrawing of political boundaries, both within Texas and the United States. It shaped the borders of Texas as we know them today, which have significant implications for issues related to governance, resources, and identity.

Overall, the annexation of Texas in 1845 was a turning point in Texas and U.S. history due to its impact on the expansion of slavery, the concept of Manifest Destiny, border disputes with Mexico, redrawing of political boundaries, and Texas' role in the Civil War.