The Beginnings of Texas Independence: A Historical Overview

Understanding the historical context behind Texas becoming its own country before joining the United States involves exploring the complex events and motivations that led to the formation of a new nation. This article delves into key factors such as slavery, statehood, and military tactics used by the United States to annex territories, ultimately leading to the Texas Revolution and its independence.

Key Events Leading to Texas Independence

The catalyst for Texas' desire to become an independent country was a significant political decision made by Mexico. In the mid-19th century, the Mexican government decided to abolish slavery, a move that was not appreciated by the Texan slaveholders. This action led to a rebellion, similar to the one that would occur in the 1860s during the American Civil War, but with a different outcome as the Texan rebels lost.

Goals and Strategies for Statehood

The primary goal of most Texans was to achieve statehood, which meant gaining full sovereignty and independence from the Mexican government. The Texan leadership understood that without independent status, they risked being conquered again if Santa Ana made a comeback with another army.

US Conquest Strategy: A Pattern

To conquer and annex Texas, California, and Hawaii, the United States employed a consistent strategy. This method involved the following steps:

Send lots of Americans to live there: By promoting settlement, the US created a significant American presence in these regions. Get those Americans to demand that they should be running the place: Local populaces often petitioned the US government for statehood or union. Get the US to officially take over: Once the demand was met, the US would formally annex the territory.

This general process was applied to Texas, California, and Hawaii, though the exact implementation varied slightly from region to region.

Texan Statehood and the Mexican American War

The path to Texas becoming a full-fledged part of the United States began in 1845 when the US officially annexed Texas. This action triggered the Mexican-American War, a conflict that lasted from 1846 to 1848.

The Texas Revolution

The Texas Revolution began in earnest in 1835 and 1836, when residents of Texas elected representatives to convene at a convention in Washington-on-the-Brazos. On March 2, 1836, they approved and signed the Declaration of Independence from Mexico.

Key Battles and Events

Following the declaration of independence, Texans faced several skirmishes and battles with Mexican troops, starting in 1835. The Texan Army, led by Sam Houston, achieved a decisive victory over the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. This triumph led to the signing of the Treaties of Velasco by General Santa Anna, the Mexican president.

As a result, Texas remained an independent country from early 1836 until it became part of the United States in late 1845 or early 1846, depending on the specific date chosen.

Defense and Military Tactics

The Texan desire for protection from Mexico was a motivating factor. The region had debt to pay and found it difficult to manage. A significant number of Americans migrated to Texas, with Sam Houston taking a leadership role, sent by President Andrew Jackson to fight in their revolution. Jackson also dispatched a company of US regulars to assist in the early stages of the conflict.

Conclusion

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the Texan quest for independence and its eventual annexation, it is crucial to explore the historical context, political decisions, and military strategies employed. By delving into these events, we can appreciate the intricate process that led Texas to become a pivotal part of the United States.

Keywords: Texas Independence, Mexican American War, Texas Revolution