Establishing Diplomatic Ties Important to: Validate Texas independence Gain foreign support for Texas Could lead to foreign loans and trade Possible U.S. annexation Might increase foreign immigration to Texas

Obstacles to Annexation Slavery was obstacle for Northern states U.S. officials were hesitant to even recognize Texas for fear of war with Mexico Many in the U.S. felt that Texas had too much debt. They also worried about their enemy, Mexico,

The U.S. recognizes Texas As his last act as president Andrew Jackson recognized Texas and appointed Alcee La Branche as a U.S. Minister to Texas in 1837.

Foreign Recognition Did not lead to annexation and in October 1838 Texas withdrew its request for annexation September 1839 France becomes the first European nation to recognize Texas and sent a representative to the Republic of Texas

The French Legation A grand home for French diplomat De Saligny was built in Austin. However he sold the home before it was complete. The home was passed down until 1949 when the State of Texas purchased it. Today, the Daughters of the Republic run a museum in the restored mansion.

Other nations, such as Great Britain, Belgium, and the Netherlands, soon followed Mexico still refused to recognize Texas

The Pig War In 1841, pigs found a way into the French Legation, destroying papers and clothes belonging to Alphonse Dubois de Saligny. The pigs also ate the corn set out for his prize horse

The Pig War Continued When one of de Saligny’s servants killed some of the pigs, their owner attacked him. Word of the so called Pig War spread quickly. Texas newspapers sided with the pigs. “Go it Texas! Viva la pigs!”

The Pig War Continued When government officials refused to punish the pigs’ owner to his satisfaction, de Saligny left Texas for a year.

Foreign Recognition of Texas Why Important Mexico Foreign Recognition of Texas Europe How Successful United States to validate Texas independence recognized Texas in 1837; no annexation to gain foreign support for Texas recognized by France in 1839; followed by Belgium, Great Britain, and the Netherlands could lead to foreign loans and trade could lead to U.S. annexation refused recognition