Organizing the New Government

The Republic of Texas vs. The State of Texas

Launching the New Republic The Revolution and Republic Era continued and lasted until 1845, the year Texas joined the United States. Texan voters approved the Constitution of 1836 and proposed that Texas join the United States. They denied the Texas Congress the power to amend, or change, the Constitution.

Houston Becomes President In September 1836 Texans elected: President – Sam Houston Vice-President – Mirabeau B. Lamar Secretary of the Treasury – Henry Smith Secretary of State – Stephen F. Austin The new nation faced many challenges: The government had no money Texas needed other countries to recognize its independence Santa Anna was still a prisoner Native Americans and settlers were in conflict

A Temporary Capital Town of Columbia was too small and rugged for a new seat of government Houston (founded by John and Augustus Allen along Buffalo Bayou) was chosen as a temporary capital for three years. The capitol was a simple two-story building. Early visitors commented on its muddy streets, crude houses, and mosquitoes.

The Republic’s Money Problems The new government did not have enough money to pay its leaders or its army. It owed $1.25 million in public debt from the revolution. To raise money, Congress put in place a tariff, or tax on imported goods. It also taxed property and livestock. Most Texans could not pay these taxes.

The Republic’s Money Problems Houston tried to cut costs: He sent 3 of 4 regiments home He tried to avoid conflict with Natives He turned the defense of the republic over to the Texas Rangers Despite Houston’s cost-cutting, expenditures were always more than revenues. That is, the money that the government spent was greater than the money the government took in. By 1839, the public debt had grown to $2 million.

Founding the Texas Rangers Formed in 1835 as a small force to serve as scouts and messengers during the war These “Rangers” received no pay and provided their own horses, food, and guns. After the war, the Rangers’ main duty was to protect settlers from attacks by Native Americans.

Santa Anna Released Santa Anna was still captive in Texas. Hoping to gain his freedom, he: Ordered Mexican forces to return south of the Rio Grande Proposed a plan that U.S. could pay Mexico for Texas In November 1836 he was released by Sam Houston. After a brief visit to the U.S., he returned to Mexico and retired (temporarily) from politics.

Santa Anna’s Comment Upon Release "My Friends: I have been a witness of your courage on the field of battle, and know you to be generous. Rely with confidence on my sincerity and you shall never have cause to regret the kindness shown me. In returning to my native land, I beg you to receive the sincere thanks of your grateful friend. Farewell! Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna." 

Conflicts with Native Americans The Waco, Comanche, and Kiowa tribes resented the Texans for living on their lands and launched raids on farms and settlements in central Texas. In 1838, Houston sent Charles Sims to visit with tribes to end raids and negotiate peace. Houston also called the Texas Rangers to patrol central Texas. The frequency of the raids decreased.

The Cordova Rebellion However, many Cherokees were still angry about Texans living on their lands and many Tejanos that remained loyal to Mexico were upset with Texas independence. With Mexico’s help, a Tejano named Vincente Cordova raised an armed force of Cherokees and Tejanos in August 1838. In March 1839, Texas volunteers attacked Cordova’s rebels and the rebellion died out.

Seeking Annexation & Recognition Many Texans favored annexation, or joining of the territory of one country to another, to the United States. Many Texans were American and wanted U.S. protection from Mexico and hostile Natives Texas heavily in debt from war Annexation was delayed because the U.S. did not want to damage relations with Mexico. Antislavery groups in the United States did not want Texas to join the Union as a slave state.

Seeking Annexation & Recognition On March 3, 1837, U.S. President Andrew Jackson granted official recognition of Texas as a nation. Houston appointed J. Pinckney Henderson Texas ambassador to foreign nations. Henderson arranged trade treaties with France and Great Britain. But both countries refused to recognize Texas because they feared it would not survive. They also did not want to offend Mexico.