Untitled Lesson

Republic of Texas
The Journey of an Independent Nation

Introduction to the Republic of Texas

• Texas declared independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836, creating the Republic of Texas.

• For nearly 10 years, Texas functioned as an independent nation.

• This era was marked by economic challenges, political development, and foreign diplomacy.

​A NEW COUNTRY

• The Republic of Texas was officially a country on March 2, 1836

• Leaders met at Washington on the Brazos to set up thier government

• The new Government

• Made Laws

• Set taxes to make money

• Had the right to declare war

Multiple Choice

How long did Texas remain an independent nation?

• 5 years
• 20 years
• 10 years

• 15 years

The New Capital

• The new country also needed a

capital

• In 1836 they chose Columbia as the

  capital

• That same year they moved the

  capital to Houston

• People in West Texas thought

Houston was too far away

• So ... they moved the capital once

  more

​The CAPITAL COunt.

• In 1839 the third capital, Waterloo Village, was chosen

• They renamed it Austin after Stephen F. Austin

• Austin is still our capital today

Multiple Choice

What was the first capital of Texas?

• Houston
• Dallas
• Columbia

• Austin

• The Republic of Texas had high

  taxes in order to pay off their debts

• Many citizens thought this was a

  problem since they originally

  came to Texas to escape high

  taxes

• The Republic of Texas could not afford to have an army

• Mexico, despite the agreement in

  the Treaty of Velasco, kept trying to recapture part of the land they had lost

• The Texas Rangers did the best they

  could, but remember they were

  volunteers

CHALLENGES

CHALLENGES COUNT.

• Native Americans continued to invade and attack settlements

  The Native Americans had been forced off of their land by the

• colonists and were trying to get it

  back

• Many settlers were afraid of the Native Americans

Open Ended

Name some challenges that the Republic of Texas faced

Sam Houston

• Role: First and third President of the Republic of Texas.

• Contributions:

  • Leader of the Texian Army during the Texas Revolution; secured victory at the Battle of San Jacinto.

  • Advocated for peace with Native American tribes and annexation into the United States.

• Significance: A strong advocate for stability and unity, Houston played a pivotal role in shaping the Republic of Texas.

​

• Returned to address economic struggles.

• Promoted peace with Native Americans and reduced military spending.

• Revived discussions of annexation with the U.S.

​Sam Houston’s Second Presidency (1841-1844)

Multiple Choice

What was Sam Houston’s main goal during his presidency?

• To promote trade with Mexico.
• To expand Texas territory into Mexico.
• Annexation by the US

• To establish a military dictatorship in Texas.

Multiple Choice

What was Houston’s primary focus during his second term?

• Promoting agricultural reforms
• Strengthening relations with Mexico
• Establishing a new state constitution
• Annexation of Texas into the United States

Role: Famous Texas Ranger and military leader.

• Contributions:

  • Led the Texas Rangers in defending the Republic against Native American raids and Mexican forces.

  • Known for introducing the Colt revolver to the Rangers, enhancing their effectiveness.

• Significance: A legendary figure in Texas history, Hays exemplified bravery and tactical innovation.

Jack Coffee Hays

​Role: Vice President of the Republic of Texas under interim President David G. Burnet.

• Contributions:

  • A Mexican politician who supported Texas independence.

  • Helped draft the Republic of Texas Constitution.

• Significance: A key figure in Texas’ independence movement, Zavala brought his experience in governance to the Republic.

​Lorenzo de Zavala

• Role: Last President of the Republic of Texas.

• Contributions:

  • Negotiated Texas' annexation to the United States, ending the Republic's independence.

• Significance: Known as the "Architect of Annexation," Jones’ leadership marked the transition of Texas from an independent nation to a U.S. state.

​Anson Jones

Anson Jones Cont.

• Nickname: "The Architect of Annexation."

• Achievements:

  • Successfully negotiated Texas’ annexation by the United States.

  • Texas officially became the 28th U.S. state on December 29, 1845.

Multiple Choice

Who was the last president of the Republic of Texas?

• Lyndon B. Johnson
• Anson Jones
• Sam Houston
• James K. Polk

• Role: Businessman and diplomat for the Republic of Texas.

• Contributions:

  • Served as an intermediary between the Republic and Native American tribes.

  • Helped maintain peace through negotiations.

• Significance: Goyens, a free Black man, played a crucial role in diplomacy and economic development during the Republic era.

William Goyens

• Role: Second President of the Republic of Texas.

• Contributions:

  • Advocated for the establishment of a public education system.

  • Relocated the capital to Austin and sought expansion of the Republic's territory.

  • Had a more aggressive stance toward Native Americans.

• Significance: Lamar is remembered for his vision of education but also for policies that led to increased conflict and debt.

Mirabeau B. Lamar (Father of TX EDU)

Multiple Choice

What is Mirabeau B. Lamar best known for?

• Famous poet and author
• Military general during the Civil War
• Second president of the Republic of Texas and advocate for education.
• First governor of Texas

• Role: Pioneer, writer, and eyewitness to many key events in Texas history.

• Contributions:

  • Recorded life in the Republic of Texas through her memoirs, providing invaluable historical accounts.

  • Advocated for Texas heritage preservation.

• Significance: Maverick’s writings offer a detailed look at life in early Texas and the struggles of settlers.

Mary Maverick

• Role: Leader of the Cherokee Nation in Texas.

• Contributions:

  • Negotiated with the Texas government for land for his people.

  • Fought against Texian forces in 1839 after being forced from Cherokee lands.

• Significance: A tragic figure, Bowles symbolizes the struggles of Native Americans during Texas’ expansion.

Chief Bowles

• Role: Tejano leader, politician, and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

• Contributions:

  • Advocated for the rights of Tejanos and the independence of Texas.

  • Played a key role in drafting the Republic’s Constitution.

• Significance: Navarro was a vital bridge between Anglo settlers and Tejanos, emphasizing unity and equality in Texas politics.

​JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO

​Foreign Relations

• Key Nations Recognizing Texas:

  • United States, France, Great Britain.

• Failed Diplomacy: Mexico never recognized Texas’ independence.

• Efforts to establish trade and military alliances.

Multiple Choice

Which country did NOT recognize Texas’ independence?

• Mexico
• US

• France
• Great Britain

Annexation and the End of the Republic

• Reasons for Annexation:

  • Economic stability.

  • Protection from Mexico.

  • Desire for U.S. statehood.

• Texas became the 28th state on December 29, 1845.

Multiple Choice

What year did Texas become a U.S. state?

• 1845
• 1861
• 1850
• 1836

Legacy of the Republic

• Shaped Texas' political, cultural, and economic identity.

• Established the foundation for Texas' pride in independence.

• Left a legacy of challenges (e.g., debt, Native American relations).

Multiple Choice

What is one lasting legacy of the Republic of Texas?

• The establishment of the Texas Rangers.
• The signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
• The annexation of Texas into the United States.
• The creation of the Texas state flag.

Open Ended

What do you think was the Republic's greatest success? Its greatest challenge?