1. Annexation of Texas L.O. We will understand the significance of Texas becoming a state.

2. Lone Star Republic Sam Houston was elected president in September 1836. Houston asked the U.S. to annex Texas, but Jackson refused. The addition of another slave state would upset the balance of slave and free states in Congress. Texas would remain an independent country until 1845.

3. Difficulties in Texas The Mexican government refused to honor Santa Anna’s recognition of independence, and fighting continued between Mexico and Texas. Texans still hoped to be annexed. Southern states supported annexation of Texas, but Northern states objected to adding another slave state to the union. The U.S. remained divided on adding Texas until 1844 and Polk’s campaign victory.

4. Texas the 28 th State After Polk’s victory the issue of Texas was pressed in congress. Congress proposed and passed the annexation of Texas. Texas becomes the 28 th state on 12/29/1845.

5. Focus Check Why did Jackson refuse to annex Texas when Houston asked? How does adding Texas increase tensions in the U.S. that will contribute to the South’s secession and ultimately the Civil War?