Republic of Texas

Quick Facts: Who was Republic of Texas?

Subject:

Republic of Texas

Known for:

A short-lived sovereign nation in North America, existing from 1836 to 1846.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Republic of Texas (Spanish: República de Tejas), or simply Texas, was a short-lived sovereign country in North America from March 2, 1836, to February 19, 1846. Texas was bordered by Mexico to the west and southwest, the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast, the two U.S. states of Louisiana and Arkansas to the east and northeast, and U.S. unorganized territory encompassing parts of the current U.S. states of Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming to the north. The Texas Revolution began when hostilities broke out on October 2, 1835, shortly before the regime of Mexican President and General Antonio López de Santa Anna adopted a new Mexican constitution known as the Siete Leyes that abolished the authority of the states under the federal republic and established a centralized government. The revolution lasted for over six months. On March 2, 1836, delegates in convention proclaimed the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Major fighting ended on April 21, 1836, with the Treaties of Velasco that ended the fighting and secured Texas' independence. The Mexican Congress refused to recognize the independence of the Republic of Texas, as the Treaties of Velasco were signed by Santa Anna under duress as prisoner, and the treaties were not approved by the Mexican Congress. Much of the territory claimed by the new republic was controlled and disputed by Mexico or the Comancheria; Mexico considered it a rebellious province during its entire existence. The Anglo-American residents of the area and of the republic were referred to as Texians, while Texans of Mexican descent were referred to as Tejanos. Having gained independence following the revolution, Texas engaged in complex relations with various countries.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

European powers (France and the United Kingdom), along with the United States, hesitated to recognize the new republic, in deference to established relations with Mexico, but over time recognized Texas and adopted trade relations. Intermittent conflicts between Mexico and Texas continued into the 1840s. Texas was annexed by the United States on December 29, 1845, and was admitted to the Union as the 28th state on that day, with the transfer of power from the Republic to the new state of Texas formally taking place on February 19, 1846. However, the United States inherited the southern and western border disputes with Mexico, which had refused to recognize Texas' sovereignty or to accept U.S. offers to purchase the territory. Consequently, the annexation led to the Mexican–American War.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1835: 1835 Milestone — The Texas Revolution began when hostilities broke out on October 2, 1835, shortly before the regime of Mexican President and General Antonio López de Santa Anna adopted a new Mexican constitution known as the Siete Leyes that abolished the authority of the states under the federal republic and established a centralized government.
2. 1836: 1836 Milestone — The Republic of Texas (Spanish: República de Tejas), or simply Texas, was a short-lived sovereign country in North America from March 2, 1836, to February 19, 1846.
3. 1845: 1845 Milestone — Texas was annexed by the United States on December 29, 1845, and was admitted to the Union as the 28th state on that day, with the transfer of power from the Republic to the new state of Texas formally taking place on February 19, 1846.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Republic of Texas

True or False: “The Republic of Texas was immediately recognized by all major world powers upon declaring its independence in 1836.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): European powers and the United States initially hesitated to recognize Texas due to established relations with Mexico.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aaron Burr — Historical peer (Died in 1836) (1836): American politician, lawyer, and statesman known for his role in the Jeffersonian era.
• André-Marie Ampère — Historical peer (Died in 1836) (1836): Founder of classical electromagnetism; inventor of the solenoid and electrical telegraph.
• Adam Johann von Krusenstern — Historical peer (Died in 1846) (1846): Russian admiral and explorer, famed for leading the first Russian circumnavigation.
• Auguste Escoffier — Historical peer (Born in 1846) (1846): Pioneering French chef who modernized haute cuisine and codified the brigade system.
• Adah Isaacs Menken — Historical peer (Born in 1835) (1835): American actress, painter, and poet known for sensational stage performances.
• Adolf von Baeyer — Historical peer (Born in 1835) (1835): Pioneering German chemist known for indigo synthesis and IUPAC nomenclature.
• Abai Qunanbaiuly — Historical peer (Born in 1845) (1845): Foundational Kazakh poet, composer, and Islamic reformer of the 19th century.
• Alexander III of Russia — Historical peer (Born in 1845) (1845): Emperor of Russia (1881–1894), known as The Peacemaker for his non-interventionist foreign policy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Republic of Texas