Launching the New Republic Now that Texas was independent of Mexico, Texans were responsible for building a new government and republic. Texas’s new president, Sam Houston, had many issues to deal with, including debt and conflict with Native Americans. The new government placed taxes on imported goods, livestock, and property. Sam Houston also implemented peace policies in order to save money.

Relations with Mexico and Native Americans Santa Anna was released in November of 1836, but the new Mexican president did not recognize the independence of Texas. The Native American groups in Texas were hostile toward the Texas settlements and resented the new republic. The Córdova Rebellion, a brief conflict between Native Americans and Texans, began in late 1838 and ended early the following year.

Seeking Annexation and Recognition Most Texans wanted to join the United States, but there were obstacles. The Mexican government would not recognize Texas’s independence. The United States and other countries did not want to jeopardize relations with Mexico. By 1838 the Republic of Texas had achieved recognition by the United States and had trade agreements with Great Britain and France.

Mirabeau Lamar 2 nd President of Texas As the second president of the Republic of Texas, Lamar’s goals were different from Sam Houston’s. Lamar opposed the annexation of Texas and gained recognition as a nation from France, Britain, and the Netherlands. The capital was moved to the new frontier city of Austin in Lamar valued education, and the Texas Congress set aside land for schools in each county.

Changes for the Native Americans Lamar did not trust the Cherokee and was convinced they were allied with Mexico, so he ordered the Cherokee out of Texas. After a battle near the Neches River, the Cherokee were forced off their land. Lamar’s policies caused suffering for several groups of Native Americans and never brought peace.

Relations with Mexico Lamar believed a strong military would force Mexico to recognize Texas as an independent nation, so he rebuilt the Texas navy. He also tried to persuade Santa Fe to join the Texas Republic, but this plan failed and resulted in many Texans being killed or imprisoned. When Lamar left office, Texas was deeply in debt

Changing Direction Again Sam Houston 3 rd President Sam Houston easily won a second term as president of the Republic of Texas. Houston wanted to undo the damage caused by Lamar’s policies. Despite Houston’s efforts, including cutting costs, making peace with Native Americans, and pursuing annexation, the debt increased. Houston succeeded in signing a peace and trade treaty with 11 Native American groups.

New Troubles with Mexico A group of Mexican soldiers captured San Antonio, causing Houston to order the government archives to be moved from Austin, sparking the Archive War. A group of Texan soldiers who invaded the Mexican town of Mier in 1842 were defeated and taken prisoner by the Mexicans. Houston also had to deal with domestic violence between the Regulators and Moderators.