Texas History Challenge: Annexation, War, and Republic

What year was Texas annexed by the United States?

• 1836

• 1845

• 1861

• 1848

Answer explanation

Texas was annexed by the United States in 1845. This was the correct choice.

Which treaty ended the Mexican-American War and recognized the Rio Grande as the southern border of Texas?

• Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

• Treaty of Velasco

• Treaty of Paris

• Treaty of Versailles

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War and recognized the Rio Grande as the southern border of Texas.

What was the primary reason Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836?

• To abolish slavery

• To join the United States

• To establish a republic

• Disputes over rights and the centralization of Mexican government

Answer explanation

Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836 due to disputes over rights and the centralization of Mexican government.

Who was the first President of the Republic of Texas?

• Stephen F. Austin

• Sam Houston

• Mirabeau B. Lamar

• Anson Jones

Answer explanation

Sam Houston was the first President of the Republic of Texas. He played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution and was elected as the President in 1836.

The Battle of San Jacinto was significant because it:

• Started the Mexican-American War

• Led to the capture of Santa Anna

• Was the first battle of the Texas Revolution

• Ended the Republic of Texas

Answer explanation

The Battle of San Jacinto was significant because it led to the capture of Santa Anna, highlighting the correct choice.

What was one of the main causes of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848)?

• The annexation of Texas by the United States

• The desire of the United States to purchase California

• Mexico's refusal to sell New Mexico

• The United States' support for the Texas Revolution

Answer explanation

The main cause of the Mexican-American War was the annexation of Texas by the United States. This led to tensions between Mexico and the United States, ultimately resulting in the war.

During the Republic of Texas era, what was a major challenge faced by the government?

• Establishing a stable currency

• Forming alliances with European countries

• Abolishing slavery

• Creating a public school system

Answer explanation

The major challenge faced by the government during the Republic of Texas era was establishing a stable currency.

Which of the following was NOT a reason for Texas' annexation into the United States?

• The desire for protection against Mexican retaliation

• The economic benefits of joining a larger country

• The presence of gold in Texas

• Political support within Texas for annexation

Answer explanation

The presence of gold in Texas was not a reason for Texas' annexation into the United States. The desire for protection against Mexican retaliation, the economic benefits of joining a larger country, and political support within Texas for annexation were the main reasons.

How did the United States acquire the territory that included Texas from Mexico?

• Through the Louisiana Purchase

• By winning the Mexican-American War

• Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

• By purchasing the land from Mexico

Answer explanation

The United States acquired the territory that included Texas from Mexico through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

What was the "Lone Star Republic"?

• A nickname for the state of Texas after it joined the United States

• The official name of Texas when it was an independent country

• A military operation during the Mexican-American War

• A political movement to secede from Mexico

Answer explanation

The Lone Star Republic was the official name of Texas when it was an independent country.