Chapter 14: Texas Faces Foreign Challenges

Section 3: The Last Years of the Republic

Bellwork

Brainstorm arguments for and against the Republic of Texas

pursuing annexation by the United States.

President Anson Jones

Anson Jones Edward Burleson

vs.

Election of 1844

President Anson Jones

• Anson Jones:– Served in Texas

Congress

– Secretary of State under Houston

– Received support of Houston in election

Anson Jones

President Anson Jones

• Edward Burleson:

– Disagreed with president on whether to attack Mexico

– At odds with Houston

– Received support of Lamar in election

Edward Burleson

President Anson Jones

•Jones wins election

•Support of Houston very important to Anson Jones

•Problems of Texas associated with Lamar

President Anson Jones

•Jones inherits debt & economic problems

•Houston tried to limit government spending

•Jones continued policy of reduced spending

President Anson Jones

• Jones sought peace with Texas Indians

• As US annexation becomes more likely, value of Texas currency increases

Republic of Texas Currency

Texans Debate Annexation

•Most serious issue facing Anson administration was the question of annexation by the U.S.

•Texans approved annexation after independence

•US did not offer annexation

Texans Debate Annexation

• Kept silent on issue

• Texans frustrated

• Wanted to keep options open

Anson Jones

Texans Debate Annexation

•1845: few Texans interested in negotiating with Mexico for recognition

•Texans debate issue

•Anson Jones: last president of the Republic