Texas Leaders

​The Republic of Texas

1836-1845​

1836-1845​

Sam Houston was born in Virginia, and later became a lawyer.

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He was a soldier and politician ​who gained fame after his

​role in the Texas Revolution and for commanding his troops to a victory over the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto.

​Sam Houston

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​Sam Houston: One man, two terms

​Presidency (1836-38; 1841-44)

​He became the first president of the Lonestar Republic, and was one of two U.S. Senators to represent Texas after it joined the Union in 1845

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Houston's heroic reputation as "Old San Jacinto" helped him win two non-consecutive terms as President of the Republic of Texas

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In between terms, he served ​in the Texas House of Representatives.

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President Sam Houston​

After his dad died when he was 13 years old, ​Sam Houston ran away from home and lived among the Cherokee Indians for 3 years.

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He learned to speak their language and adopted much of their culture, and took an active role in Native American affairs

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​Nicknamed "The Raven" by the Cherokee

​Life with the Cherokee Indians

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​Annexation of Texas

​In the annexation crisis, Houston (A man known for playing with high stakes) was determined to find a solution that guaranteed the future of Texas.

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He was willing to risk ​the welfare of Texans; international relations with the US, Mexico, England, and France; and his own political/personal interests to do so.

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​With an almost perfect sense of political timing, Houston jumped on the annexation bandwagon of April 1845.

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Houston v. Lamar​

​Annexation

​Mirabeau B. Lamar

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​Presidency from 1838-1841

​Following the death of his wife in 1833, Lamar moved to Texas from Georgia where he quickly became involved in the independence struggle against Mexico

​Rise to Presidency

​Secretary of War

Soon after earning the distinction of cavalry commander at the Battle of San Jacinto, Lamar assumed the position of Secretary of War in the provisional government of Texas

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Later that year he was elected ​vice-president of Texas under Sam Houston; in 1838, Lamar himself won a three-year term as the President of the Republic.

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During his presidency, ​Lamar sought to strengthen the independence of Texas in order to avoid U.S. annexation.

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​Lamar's Presidency

• ​He planned a national bank and comprehensive school system;

• ​Initiated diplomatic relations with France, England, and Holland

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As an expansionist, Lamar founded the new capital at Austin (Previously Houston), and tried to win the allegiance of parts of New Mexico (For Texas)

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​Lamar's constant military campaigning against the Natives and his costly exploits into New Mexico nearly left Texas bankrupt.

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Lamar​

• Was known for waging war against the Indians, trying to push them out of Texas

• ​Supported public education

• Opposed to the annexation of Texas​

​Mirabeau B. Lamar

• Wanted to gain recognition of Texas independence from other nations;

• ​Wanted to make peace with the Indians and Mexico;

• ​Wanted to convince the US to annex Texas

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​Sam Houston

​Sam Houston v. Mirabeau B. Lamar: A contrast of visions

​American frontiersman who made the Texas Rangers a tough and effective military force.

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They policed ​Texas, protecting from Native American attacks

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​Jack "Coffee" Hays

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​Jack "Coffee" Hays

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