12/29/1845: U.S. Congress approves annexation of Texas

[Craig Tx]

On this day in 1845, the United States Congress voted to annex Texas.

Statehood was first proposed in 1837, but was rejected by President Martin Van Buren. Constitutional scruples and fear of war with Mexico were the reasons given for the rejection, but antislavery sentiment in the United States undoubtedly influenced Van Buren and continued to be the chief obstacle to annexation. Under President James Polk the United States Congress passed the Annexation Resolution in February 1845. Texas president Anson Jones called the Texas Congress into session on June 16, 1845, and a convention of elected delegates met on the Fourth of July. Both the Texas Congress and the convention voted for annexation, and a constitution was drawn up. The document was ratified by popular vote in October 1845 and accepted by the United States Congress on December 29, 1845. On February 19, 1846, President Jones of the Republic of Texas handed over control of the new state government to Governor James Pinckney Henderson.

[Nessmuk]

I wonder how many current Texans regret giving up their independence for statehood.

[Craig Tx]

At least this one does...

[Nessmuk]

That begs another question. If Texas remained a Republic at the start of the Civil War , would the Secessionist States join with Texas?
If so, would that have changed the attitude of Foreign countries and their involvement.
The Confederate States of Texas?.
Food for thought.

[Craig Tx]

Interesting thought.  Definitely thought provoking.

Another thought worth pondering.  What if Sam Houston (He was governor of Texas at the time of the secession convention.) had proposed, at the convention of secession that instead of joining the Confederacy, that Texas become an independent republic again.

[Nessmuk]

Sounds like we have the basics for a couple of alternative history books!!