Will give 24
when texas joined the united states in 1845, texas was
a. a mexican state.
b. a us territory.
c. a spanish colony.
d. an independent nation.

D. an independent nation

History/context:

Texas had been a part of Mexico since Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821. But there was plenty of tension between the Mexican government and the territory of Texas. Texas declared its independence from Mexico in 1836, and under the leadership of Sam Houston, defeated the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto in April of that year. However, the Mexican government continued to refuse official recognition of Texas' independence.

When the Republic of Texas was established in 1836, the citizens of the newly independent country voted for Sam Houston as their president ... but also voted their endorsement of Texas becoming part of the United States.  There was plenty of delay before that happened, however, because there was question and controversy over whether or not Texas would enter the Union as a slave state. 

In the process of those long negotiations, the government of Texas had also looked to Great Britain for possible support in its ongoing tensions with Mexico. In 1843, Sam Houston's administration in Texas was considering making a deal with the Mexican government that would allow Texas to govern itself but with some connection to Mexico. They would have asked Great Britain to act as mediator in negotiating with Mexico.

Ultimately, however, the United States Congress did finally vote for acceptance of Texas as a state in 1844. In 1845, Texas entered the US as the 28th state ... and permitted as a slave state.

D. an independent nation.

Initially, during 1830, Texas was a part of Mexican territory, however, a group of settlers from the United States who lived in the State declared independence from Mexico, and called the new state as the Republic of Texas. The state remained an independent territory for nine years, until it was annexed by the United States in 1845, and became its 28th state. The annexation of Texas led to the Mexican- American War, (1846-1848) due to a border dispute regarding the boundaries of the new state. Conflict emerged over a disagreement between which river was the true northern border of Mexico (Nuecus or the Rio Grande).

Further Explanation:

Texas formed a part of the new Mexican state which won independence from Spain along with California and New Mexico. Soon, settlers from the United States began to settle in Texas, influencing the politics of the region. Alarmed by their growing influence, the Mexican government attempted to stop immigration, but to no avail. In 1835, the American settlers formed a provisional government, and called for independence, but were met by strong opposition from the Mexican government who also sanctioned military action to curb the rebels. The Mexican forces were defeated, and Texas became an independent country under its new President, Sam Houston. The pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in Texas engaged in debates and discussions over the expansion of slavery in Texas, and ultimately it was drawn within the 1861 civil war of America. It became necessary for the United States under President John Tyler to annex Texas, and it formally became an American State in 1845.

Learn more:

1. What was the charge of the 1807 indictment by the man who was chosen as vice president on February 17, 1801, by the house of representatives after thirty-six ballots?

2. What is the last step in the lawmaking process?

Answer Details:

Level: High School

Chapter: The United States in the 17th-19th century.

Subject: History.

Keywords:

Annexation, immigration, Republic of Texas, military action, provisional government, Civil war.