Exam 16: Manifest Destiny and Its Legacy

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Texas declared its independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836, following a series of conflicts known as the Texas Revolution. However, it was not annexed by the United States until 1845, nearly a decade later, due to a combination of political, international, and domestic factors.

1. **Slavery**: One of the most significant issues was the institution of slavery. Texas had legalized slavery, but the United States was deeply divided on the issue. Adding Texas as a slave state would disrupt the balance of power between free and slave states in the U.S. Congress. Northern politicians, in particular, were opposed to annexation for this reason.

2. **Political Opposition**: There was considerable political opposition to annexation within the United States. Some feared that annexing Texas could lead to war with Mexico, which still considered Texas a rebellious territory. Others were concerned about the potential financial cost or the expansion of slave territory.

3. **International Relations**: The annexation of Texas had the potential to damage relations with other countries, particularly Great Britain, which had strong economic ties with Texas and was opposed to the expansion of slavery. The British also hoped to limit U.S. expansion and power.

4. **Texas Independence**: After winning independence, many Texans prized their sovereignty and some were initially ambivalent about joining another nation. The Republic of Texas operated as an independent nation, establishing diplomatic relations with other countries and even considering offers of protection from Britain and France.

5. **U.S. Presidential Politics**: The issue of Texas annexation was contentious in U.S. presidential politics. Presidents Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren both avoided annexation due to the potential for political fallout. It wasn't until President John Tyler, seeing the potential annexation as a way to secure his political legacy, pushed for it that the process gained momentum.

6. **Texas Debt**: The Republic of Texas had accrued significant debt during its years of independence. This was a concern for the U.S. Congress, as annexation would mean assuming that debt.

7. **Manifest Destiny**: The concept of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was both justified and inevitable, gained popularity in the 1840s. This ideology helped to create a more favorable environment for the annexation of Texas.

Ultimately, the annexation of Texas was approved by the U.S. Congress in 1845. President John Tyler signed the joint resolution just before leaving office, and Texas became the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845. The annexation led to the Mexican-American War, as Mexico had never recognized Texas independence and considered the annexation an act of aggression by the United States.