Chapter 14: Texas Faces Foreign Challenges
Section 3: The Last Years of the Republic
Bellwork
Brainstorm arguments for and against the Republic of Texas
pursuing annexation by the United States.
President Anson Jones
Anson Jones Edward Burleson
vs.
Election of 1844
President Anson Jones
• Anson Jones:– Served in Texas
Congress
– Secretary of State under Houston
– Received support of Houston in election
Anson Jones
President Anson Jones
• Edward Burleson:
– Disagreed with president on whether to attack Mexico
– At odds with Houston
– Received support of Lamar in election
Edward Burleson
President Anson Jones
•Jones wins election
•Support of Houston very important to Anson Jones
•Problems of Texas associated with Lamar
President Anson Jones
•Jones inherits debt & economic problems
•Houston tried to limit government spending
•Jones continued policy of reduced spending
President Anson Jones
• Jones sought peace with Texas Indians
• As US annexation becomes more likely, value of Texas currency increases
Republic of Texas Currency
Texans Debate Annexation
•Most serious issue facing Anson administration was the question of annexation by the U.S.
•Texans approved annexation after independence
•US did not offer annexation
Texans Debate Annexation
• Kept silent on issue
• Texans frustrated
• Wanted to keep options open
Anson Jones
Texans Debate Annexation
•1845: few Texans interested in negotiating with Mexico for recognition
•Texans debate issue
•Anson Jones: last president of the Republic