1. 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

2. 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,

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

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

7. 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

8. 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!”

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

10. 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