University of North Texas Libraries A Map of Mexico and the Republic of Texas Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? What were some of the qualities of each nation? Common history and differences between the two nations. Think about culture, economies, and political structure and background. A Map of Mexico and the Republic of Texas. drawn & engraved to accompany The history of Mexico and Texas. By J.M. Niles & L.T. Pease; T. Twitichel, sc. Hartford, 1838. University of North Texas Libraries

Republic of Texas Land Grant, 1845 Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? The empresario land grants continue under the Texas republic with similar criteria: League of land, empresarios land agents, and payments policies. University of North Texas Libraries

Certificate of election from the Republic of Texas Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? The political structure were similar to the United States except the bill of rights was the first part of the Constitution: why? Also, a very limited government nature including term limitations and sporadic congressional powers. This represents a strong sense of individualism, still evident even today in Texas: Examples??? Certificate of Election By: Republic of Texas President Anson Jones University of North Texas Libraries

Portrait of Anson Jones, last president of the Republic of Texas. Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? The last President of the Republic of Texas. He tried to play both hands during the annexation question by playing of the United States, Mexico, Britain, and France. News of the Congressional joint resolution spread across the Republic of Texas during the spring, causing a massive outpouring of support for annexation to the United States. Citizens of nearly every county held mass meetings endorsing annexation. President Jones, however, wanted to delay the issue until France and Britain pressured Mexico to guarantee Texas independence. Mexico, on advice of the British, agreed to acknowledge the independence of Texas on the condition that the Republic would not annex herself to any country. Jones wanted to use the guarantee of independence from Mexico coupled with friendly British and French relations, to gain additional concessions from the United States. Texans, however, wanted annexation and they wanted it immediately. President Jones bowed to public pressure and called a special session of the Texas Congress to meet on 16 June 1845 and consider the question of annexation. The delay in endorsing annexation, together with his feud with Houston, politically damaged Jones and ensured he would never again hold political office in Texas. Anson Jones. Memoranda and Official Correspondence Relating to the Republic of Texas. (NY: D. Appleton and Co., 1859) University of North Texas Libraries

University of North Texas Libraries A typical example of anti-annexation propaganda Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? Who and why? For this text: Whigs vs. Democrats: Texas ministers Isaac van Zandt and James Pinckney Henderson secretly worked on crafting the agreement. Houston, who received a copy of the treaty on 28 April 1844, was generally satisfied. However, any chance for the treaty to be accepted was destroyed when it became the central issue in the 1844 United States presidential election. Henry Clay, the Whig candidate, announced he would oppose annexation. On 8 June 1844 the United States Senate killed the treaty by a 35 to 16 margin, with fifteen southern Whigs voting against a treaty they otherwise would have supported. Texans reacted bitterly, while Houston announced that Texas was “free from all involvements and pledges” and would pursue its own national interests. Houston, however, said that in the event of a new offer from the United States that was unequivocal in character, and removed all impediments to annexation, “it might be well for Texans to accept the invitation.” University of North Texas Libraries

University of North Texas Libraries Read some of the objections to Texas annexation, note points III and IV. Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? What are some the reasons for opposing annexation? Valid points or not? justified Edward Everett Hale. How to Conquer Texas Before Texas Conquers Us. (Boston: Redding & Co. 8 State St. 17 March 1846) University of North Texas Libraries

University of North Texas Libraries Read about the fear that annexation would extend the power of the slave states Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? What were the main concern over slavery? Connect to SF Austin and his role from the begginning? Edward Everett Hale. How to Conquer Texas Before Texas Conquers Us. (Boston: Redding & Co. 8 State St. 17 March 1846) University of North Texas Libraries

Anson Jones’ explanation for pursuing annexation Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? As president: what were the pros an cons for annexation: political, economical and social benefits? What were the problems of officially supporting annexation Anson Jones. Letters Relating to the History of Annexation. (Philadelphia: 1852) University of North Texas Libraries

Read about the relationship between Britain, France, and the Republic of Texas. Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? Reorganization important/ why Foreign affairs and their role? significance Anson Jones. Letters Relating to the History of Annexation. (Philadelphia: 1852) University of North Texas Libraries

Anson Jones’s devotion to annexation Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? Anson Jones. Letters Relating to the History of Annexation. (Philadelphia: 1852) University of North Texas Libraries

An example of anti-Texas propaganda published as a news article and pamphlet. Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? Theodore Sedgwick. Thoughts on the Proposed Annexation of Texas to the United States. (NY: D. Fanshaw, 1844) University of North Texas Libraries

Read about resistance to annexation based on slavery Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? Are they pro slavery or against: why Theodore Sedgwick. Thoughts on the Proposed Annexation of Texas to the United States. (NY: D. Fanshaw, 1844) University of North Texas Libraries

Read about objection to annexation based on Mexico's claims Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? Cause of war: is war necessary Theodore Sedgwick. Thoughts on the Proposed Annexation of Texas to the United States. (NY: D. Fanshaw, 1844) University of North Texas Libraries

A typical example of anti- Annexation propaganda Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? Describe the picture: what is the author trying to convey to the audience Benjamin Lundy. The Anti-Texass [sic] Legion. (Albany: Patriot Office, 1845) University of North Texas Libraries

Once again, read about objection to annexation based on slavery Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? Benjamin Lundy. The Anti-Texass [sic] Legion. (Albany: Patriot Office, 1845), 1. University of North Texas Libraries

Read about calls to action against Texas annexation Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? Benjamin Lundy. The Anti-Texass [sic] Legion. (Albany: Patriot Office, 1845), 1. University of North Texas Libraries

Read what Boston abolitionists suggested should be done if Texas was annexed Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? Stephen C. Phillips. Address on the annexation of Texas, and the aspect of slavery in the United States, In connection therewith: delivered in Boston November 14 and 18, 1845. (Boston: W. Crosby and H.P. Nichols, 1845) University of North Texas Libraries

A drawing of Anson Jones Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? What makes a nation??? convention assembled on 4 July, Jones placed before them and the Texas Congress the choice between annexation to the United States or independence recognized by Mexico. The Senate unanimously rejected guaranteed independence from Mexico, and then both chambers accepted the annexation state constitution was drawn up by the convention and quickly ratified by popular vote in October 1845. It was accepted by the United States Congress on 29 December 1845, when President James K. Polk signed the Texas Admission Act. The formal transfer of power occurred on 19 February 1846. Republic of Texas President Anson Jones turned over the reins of state government toGovernor James Henderson, declaring “the final act in this great drama is now performed; the Republic of Texas is no more Homer S. Thrall. A Pictorial History of Texas. (St. Louis: N.D. Thompson, 1879), 343 University of North Texas Libraries