How Texas Became a State

Texas is a state with a rich and storied history. From its days as a Spanish colony to its current status as a major player in the United States, Texas has seen its fair share of change.

Pre-Statehood

Spanish and Mexican Rule

Prior to Texas becoming a state, it was under the rule of Spain and Mexico. Spain had originally claimed the region in the 16th century and held it until 1821 when Mexico declared its independence from Spain. Mexico then assumed control of the region and held it until 1836 when the Texas Revolution began. During this period, the region was largely unsettled, with a few small settlements of Spanish and Mexican settlers. The population was largely made up of Native American tribes, with a few European settlers living among them.

Texas Revolution

The Texas Revolution began in 1835 when a group of Texan settlers declared their independence from Mexico. This group, led by Sam Houston, fought a series of battles against the Mexican forces, culminating in the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. This battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Texan forces, and the establishment of the Republic of Texas. The Republic of Texas was an independent nation, with its own government and laws, and it existed until 1845 when it was annexed by the United States and became the 28th state.

Annexation

Annexation by the United States

In 1845, the United States Congress passed a resolution to annex the Republic of Texas, which had declared independence from Mexico in 1836. The annexation of Texas was controversial, as it was seen as a potential cause of war with Mexico. The United States had offered to purchase Texas from Mexico in the past, but Mexico had refused. Despite the controversy, the resolution was passed and Texas was annexed by the United States.

The annexation of Texas was seen as a major victory for the United States, as it increased the size of the country by a third. It also added a new slave state to the Union, which was seen as a major benefit to the southern states. The annexation of Texas also opened up the possibility of further expansion into the western territories.

Admission to the Union

After Texas was annexed by the United States, it was admitted to the Union as the 28th state in 1845. The admission of Texas to the Union was controversial, as it was seen as a potential cause of war with Mexico. Despite the controversy, the admission of Texas was approved by Congress and Texas officially became a state.

The admission of Texas to the Union was seen as a major victory for the United States, as it increased the size of the country by a third. It also added a new slave state to the Union, which was seen as a major benefit to the southern states. The admission of Texas also opened up the possibility of further expansion into the western territories.

In addition to the political implications of Texas' admission to the Union, it also had a major economic impact. Texas was a major producer of cotton and other agricultural products, which provided a major boost to the US economy. The admission of Texas also opened up the possibility of further expansion into the western territories, which provided new opportunities for economic growth.

Statehood

Constitution of the State of Texas

The Constitution of the State of Texas was written in 1845 and was based on the Constitution of the United States. It was written by a convention of 59 delegates, all of whom were elected by the people of Texas. The Constitution provided for a strong executive branch, a bicameral legislature, and a judicial branch. It also provided for the separation of powers between the three branches of government. It also provided for the protection of individual rights, such as the right to trial by jury and the right to bear arms. It also provided for the establishment of a public school system, the regulation of commerce, and the protection of private property.

Ratification of the Constitution

The Constitution of the State of Texas was ratified by the people of Texas on October 13, 1845. The ratification was done by a popular vote, with the majority of the voters in favor of the Constitution. After the ratification, the Constitution was sent to the United States Congress for approval. On December 29, 1845, the United States Congress approved the Constitution of the State of Texas, making it the 28th state of the United States. This marked the official beginning of the State of Texas.

The Constitution of the State of Texas was a major step in the process of Texas becoming a state. It provided the framework for the government of the state and established the rights of its citizens. The ratification of the Constitution by the people of Texas was a major milestone in the history of the state, and it marked the beginning of a new era in the history of Texas.