Study Guide: The Republic of Texas (1836–1845)

Unit 7: The Republic of Texas (1836–1845)

Era Overview and Historical Timeline

  • Conceptual Timeline of Mexican and Texan History:     * 1821: The Republic of Mexico officially becomes an independent republic. Texas becomes a state within a Mexican province.     * Early 1820s: An American colony is established in Texas by Stephen F. Austin.     * Conflict Origins: Hostilities arose between Texan settlers and the Mexican government, leading Texans to declare their independence.     * The Texas Revolution (1836):         * The Mexican government declared war in response to the declaration of independence.         * The Alamo: General Santa Anna led Mexican forces against Fort Alamo at San Antonio, resulting in the death of all Texan defenders.         * Goliad: A subsequent battle at Goliad resulted in a massacre of Texan forces.         * San Jacinto: The decisive battle where the two armies met; the Mexican army was nearly annihilated. This secured Texas' independence.     * Recognition and Statehood:         * Texas became an independent Republic in 18361836.         * Independence was recognized by the United States the following year (18371837).         * Texas maintained its status as a Republic until 18451845, when it officially became a state of the United States.         * Border Dispute: During the Republic era, the southern boundary of Texas remained in dispute with Mexico.

Challenges Facing the New Republic

Upon gaining independence, the Republic of Texas faced four primary categories of challenges that threatened its stability:

  • Financial Instability (Debt): The new nation had significant financial obligations and lacked a stable treasury.

  • Security and Frontier Conflict: Ongoing tensions and military conflicts with Native American tribes and the threat of Mexican re-invasion.

  • Diplomatic Recognition: The need to be recognized as a sovereign nation by global powers to establish legitimacy and trade.

  • Annexation Debates: Internal and external political struggles regarding whether Texas should join the United States.

Essential Vocabulary of the Republic

  • Debt: Money that is owed to others.

  • Diplomatic: The process of working with other countries in a peaceful manner.

  • Commerce: The activity of trade, including the buying and selling of goods.

  • Tariff: A specific tax placed on imported goods.

  • Congress: The body of lawmakers responsible for creating legislation.

  • Abolish: To end something completely.

  • Annexation: The act of adding land to an existing entity or joining another country.

Key Figures of the Republic of Texas

Presidential Leadership

  • Sam Houston:     * Role: First and third President of the Republic of Texas.     * Achievements: Led the Texan victory at the Battle of San Jacinto.     * Policies: Strongly supported annexation to the United States; prioritized peace treaties with Native American tribes.     * Significance: Viewed as a foundational leader who helped Texas survive its early years and transition toward statehood.

  • Mirabeau Lamar:     * Role: Second President of the Republic of Texas.     * Policies: Opposed annexation; moved the capital to Austin; advocated for the establishment of schools and universities.     * Conflict: Initiated the Santa Fe Expedition and increased military actions against Native American tribes.     * Significance: Greatly expanded the infrastructure of Texas but significantly increased the national debt.

  • Anson Jones:     * Role: The last President of the Republic of Texas.     * Achievements: An expert in diplomacy who oversaw the final transition during the annexation process.     * Significance: Served as president at the moment Texas officially joined the United States.

Frontier and Tejano Leaders

  • John Coffee Hays: A prominent Texas Ranger leader known for defending settlements against various threats.

  • Chief Bowles: A Cherokee chief who dedicated his efforts to protecting Cherokee lands from encroaching settlers.

  • José Antonio Navarro: A Tejano leader who supported Texan independence and was a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

  • Vicente Córdova: A Tejano leader who opposed the Texas government and led a rebellion against the Republic.

Noteable Social Figures

  • William Goyens: A free Black businessman, translator, and landowner who navigated the complex social landscape of the Republic.

  • Mary Maverick: An author who wrote extensively about frontier life, playing a crucial role in preserving the history of early Texas.

The First Administration of Sam Houston (1836–1838)

  • Primary Goals:     1. Establish peace agreements with Texas Indian tribes.     2. Secure diplomatic recognition from foreign nations.     3. Develop commercial relationships globally.     4. Implement fiscal conservatism to save money and stabilize the economy.

  • The Córdova Rebellion (August–October 1838):     * Location: Nacogdoches.     * Conflict: Vicente Córdova led a combined force of Tejanos and Indians in rebellion against the Texas government.     * Outcome: Thomas J. Rusk led a militia to suppress the rebellion, resulting in the forced removal of the Caddo people from Texas.     * Impact: Significantly increased racial and ethnic distrust between Anglos, Tejanos, and Native Americans.

  • Administrative Significance:     * Successful peace agreements were made with most tribes.     * The United States was the only country to grant diplomatic recognition during this term.     * National debt reached approximately $3 million\$3\,\text{million}.     * The army was disbanded to save costs; the capital was relocated to Houston.

The Administration of Mirabeau Lamar (1838–1841)

  • Primary Goals:     1. Maintain the absolute independence of Texas (opposed annexation).     2. Forceful removal of Native Americans (The "War of Extermination").     3. Seek broader diplomatic and commercial ties.     4. Relocate the capital to a more permanent, central location (Austin).

  • The "War of Extermination":     * Battle of the Neches: Resulted in the Cherokee being driven out of Texas.     * Council House Fight (March 19, 1840): An attempted peace negotiation in San Antonio that turned violent, resulting in the death or capture of 6060 Comanches.     * Retaliation: Comanches raided the settlements of Linnville and Victoria.     * Financial Cost: These wars were a primary driver of the Republic's debt.

  • The Santa Fe Expedition (1841):     * Objective: To establish trade with Santa Fe and encourage New Mexico to join the Republic.     * Outcome: The expedition failed; members were arrested and imprisoned upon arrival in New Mexico. It was considered a major national embarrassment.

  • Administrative Significance:     * National debt ballooned to $10 million\$10\,\text{million}.     * Debt causes included Indian wars, the move to Austin, and the purchase of navy ships.     * Successfully gained diplomatic recognition from France and the Netherlands.

The Second Administration of Sam Houston (1841–1844)

  • Primary Goals:     1. Aggressive spending cuts (Reduce spending).     2. Renewed peace efforts with Native American tribes.     3. Pursuit of annexation with the United States.

  • Conflict with Mexico:     * Mexican Invasions (1842): In March and September, Mexican forces under General Adrián Woll occupied San Antonio.     * Battle of Salado Creek (Sept. 1842): Texas Rangers successfully forced the Mexican army to retreat.     * Somervell Expedition: A Texan militia captured Laredo and Guerrero.     * Mier Fight (Dec. 1842): A group of Texans led by William S. Fisher disobeyed orders and attacked Mier, Mexico; they were defeated and imprisoned.

  • Administrative Significance:     * The Texas Navy was sold to raise funds.     * Diplomatic recognition was gained from Great Britain.     * The U.S. initially denied the second application for annexation.     * Despite cuts, debt grew to $12 million\$12\,\text{million}.

The Administration of Anson Jones (1844–1846) and Annexation

  • Primary Goals: Maintain peace and fiscal restraint while navigating the choice between continued independence (supported by Britain and Mexico) or annexation to the U.S.

  • The Act of Annexation (December 29, 1845):     * Texas joined as a full state, not a territory.     * Texas Tally: Voters favored annexation by a margin of 4,2544,254 to 267267.

  • Terms of Annexation:     1. Full representation in the U.S. Congress.     2. Texas retained responsibility for its own Republic-era debt.     3. Public Lands: Texas maintained control over its public lands (a unique provision).     4. The U.S. took control of all Texas military sites and equipment.     5. The U.S. military assumed responsibility for protecting the Texas-Mexico border.     6. Texas retains the right to divide its territory into as many as five separate states.

The Legacy of Public Land in Texas

  • Historical Significance: Unlike other states where the federal government took over public land, Texas kept its land to finance state development.

  • Usage of Land Funds:     * Permanent School Fund: Used to fund public education; in FY 20202020, total public education funding was $69,282,814,579\$69,282,814,579, with $12,645\$12,645 spent per student.     * Permanent University Fund: Supports major university systems like The University of Texas and Texas A&M.     * Veteran Land Board: Provides benefits and land opportunities for veterans.     * Natural Resources: Revenues from oil and natural gas (notably starting with Spindletop in 19011901) have historically funded the state government.

Questions & Discussion

  • Q1: What are two things you observe about the image (Republic of Texas currency)?     * A: Observations included the denomination (One Dollar), the name "The Republic of Texas," and the authorization by an Act of Congress in Austin.

  • Q2: What is one thing you can infer about this era?     * A: The existence of unique currency implies a centralized government and an attempt at economic sovereignty, despite the challenges of debt.

  • Q3: How has ownership of public lands benefited Texans?     * A: It has allowed the state to fund education and veteran services without relying solely on federal grants or high direct taxes.

  • Challenges Facing the New Republic:

    • Importance of Texas's independence for local autonomy.

    • Issues surrounding the ability of Mirabeau Lamar to effectively manage the Republic's affairs.

    • Decline in status of Mirabeau Lamar amid economic difficulties.

  • Significance of Independence:

    • The Republic's independence was crucial for shaping Texan identity and governance.

  • The Role of the U.S. in Texas Affairs:

    • The importance of diplomatic relations with the United States for the Republic’s stability.

  • Key Figures during the Republic of Texas:

    • Stephen F. Austin: Known as the "Father of Texas" for his role in bringing American settlers to the region.

    • William Goyens: A free Black businessman who played a key role in mediating relations between indigenous groups and Anglo settlers.

    • John H. Moore: A military leader during the Texas Revolution.