Texas Annexation and Its Impacts

In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain, with Texas and other areas as its northern provinces. The Mexican government encouraged American settlement in these regions to boost development. By 1835, the influx of Americans, many with slaves, led to tensions with Mexico, resulting in Texas' independence in 1836. The U.S. faced controversy over annexing Texas due to the fragile balance between slave and non-slave states. Presidents Tyler and Polk supported annexation, intensifying the slavery debate and contributing to the Civil War.

What was the primary reason the Mexican government encouraged American settlement in its northern provinces?

• To boost economic development and pacify local tribes

• To establish diplomatic relations with the U.S.

• To increase military presence

• To create a buffer zone against European powers

Who was the Mexican general leading the government during the 1820s and 30s?

• Miguel Hidalgo

• Santa Ana

• Porfirio Díaz

• Benito Juárez

Why did many Americans from the southern states migrate to Texas in the 1830s?

• To establish a cotton economy similar to the southern states

• To join the Mexican military

• To seek gold and other resources

• To escape political unrest in the U.S.

How did the Mexican government initially respond to the influx of American settlers in Texas?

• By encouraging more settlers

• By cutting off the flow of immigrants

• By forming alliances with local tribes

• By offering land grants to settlers

What was the outcome of the conflict between American settlers in Texas and Mexican forces in 1836?

• Mexico regained control over Texas

• The U.S. annexed Texas immediately

• Texas gained independence from Mexico

• Texas remained a part of Mexico

Why was the annexation of Texas into the United States controversial?

• It was opposed by European powers

• It would disrupt the balance between slave and non-slave states

• It required a change in the U.S. Constitution

• It was seen as an act of war by Mexico

What was the main concern of northerners regarding the annexation of Texas?

• It would cause economic instability

• It would result in overpopulation

• It would increase the number of slave states

• It would lead to war with Mexico

Which U.S. presidents were known for promoting the annexation of Texas?

• Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant

• Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren

• John Tyler and James K. Polk

• Thomas Jefferson and James Madison

What was a significant consequence of the annexation debate over Texas?

• It resulted in Texas becoming an independent nation

• It caused the U.S. to lose territory to Mexico

• It intensified the debate over slavery in the U.S.

• It led to the Mexican-American War

What role did Texas play in the events leading up to the Civil War?

• It was a stronghold for abolitionists

• It was a catalyst for the division of the Union

• It was a neutral territory

• It was a site of major battles