3.6 The Republic of Texas

The Republic of Texas and Its Role in the USA

  • Essential Question: What role did Texas ultimately play in the USA?

The Start of a New Era

  • Declaration of Independence: March 2, 1836.

  • Texas Revolution Timeline:

    • Battle of Gonzales: October 2, 1835.

    • Victory at San Jacinto: April 21, 1836.

  • Key Era: Marked the start of the Revolution and Republic era in Texas history.

Formation of Government

  • Post-Independence: Texans needed a permanent government.

  • Constitutional Convention of 1836: Led to elections on September 5, 1836.

  • Texas Constitution: Approved by voters during the elections.

  • Presidential Candidates: Stephen F. Austin, Henry Smith, and Sam Houston.

Government Structure

  • Austin's Role: Became Secretary of State but died shortly after.

  • Houston's Leadership:

    • Overcame rivals by forming a diverse government.

    • Appointed Henry Smith as Secretary of Treasury.

    • Mirabeau Lamar became Vice President.

Economic Challenges

  • Debt and Raids: Government was deeply indebted and faced continuous raids from Comanche and Kiowa.

  • Key Goal: End conflicts with Native Americans; utilize Santa Anna’s imprisonment to seek recognition of independence from Mexico.

Selection of the Capital

  • Initial Meetings: Congress met in minimal facilities; Houston designated as the temporary capital.

  • City of Houston: Founded on Buffalo Bayou; named as a temporary capital in December 1836.

Financial Struggles and Taxation

  • Public Debt: Amounted to $1.25 million post-revolution; government struggled to pay officials and military.

  • Tax Initiatives: Implemented tariffs on imports, property, and livestock to raise funds.

  • Public Sentiment: Most Texans lacked cash, making tax collection difficult.

Government Relocation History

  • Capitals Timeline:

    • Washington-on-the-Brazos (1836)

    • Columbia (1836)

    • Houston (1837-1839)

    • Austin (1839-1842)

    • Washington-on-the-Brazos (1842-1845)

    • Permanent Austin (1888-Present)

Role of Rangers and Native American Relations

  • Formation of Rangers: Established during the revolution for scouting; evolved to protect settlers post-war.

  • Santa Anna's Influence: Initially cooperative under captivity, proposed plans for U.S. payments for Texas, but these were rejected post his release.

Political Shifts and New Leadership

  • Lamar vs. Houston: Mirabeau Lamar elected second president, brought aggressive policies opposing Houston’s peace strategies.

  • Goals of Lamar:

    • Rebuild military and strengthen Texas against Mexico.

    • Expand recognition of Texas as an independent nation.

Education and Infrastructure Development

  • New Capital in Austin: Selected in 1839; initial development included temporary government buildings.

  • Educational Reforms:

    • Land set aside for public schools and a university; focus on improving education as key to a functional republic.

Houston’s Second Presidency

  • Return in 1841: Faced increased debts due to Lamar's previous leadership.

  • Financial Reforms: Cut government salaries and positions to decrease debt.

  • Relations with Native Americans: Continued efforts for peace treaties and trade agreements.

Annexation Movements

  • Public Support for Annexation: Overwhelming vote in favor in 1836, but initial resistance from U.S. President Martin Van Buren due to concerns over slavery and debt.

  • Recognition from Foreign Nations: France recognized Texas as a nation in 1839, boosting its international standing.

Final Steps to Statehood

  • Anson Jones Presidency: Elected in 1844, strongly favored annexation.

  • Congressional Consent: Approval of Texas Constitution for annexation in 1845.

  • Formal U.S. Statehood: Texas admitted as the twenty-eighth state on December 29, 1845, leading into the era of Early Statehood.

Comparison of Presidents: Houston vs. Lamar

  • Financial Management: Houston aimed to reduce debt; Lamar's policies increased it.

  • Military Action: Houston sought peace, reduced military; Lamar expanded military efforts.

  • Education Focus: Houston showed little interest; Lamar established foundations for Texas's education system.