Texas State Historical Association
Texas State Historical Association: Republic of Texas
A detailed history of the Republic of Texas, starting with its initial birth in 1836 when its Constitution was written, and the end of Texas's conflict with Mexico. The article discusses the many issues faced by the new Republic, the...
Son of the South
Son of the South: Annexation of Texas
A quick overview of how the state of Texas was annexed into the United States of America.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: Texas From American Settlement to Annexation 1820 1845
Article in which the author takes us through the history of Texas from the time Americans arrived and settled in the area to annexation, and finally, war with Mexico over the territory. With photographs and links to related resources.
Charles I. Kelly and Lawrence E. Kelly
Many things.org: In 1845, Republic of Texas Faces a Choice
An explanation of the difficulties the Republic of Texas encountered when deciding whether to join the Union. Also discusses President James Polk's efforts to expand the territories held by the United States, which brought him into...
Texas State Historical Association
Texas State Historical Association: Annexation
Read this brief overview of the events leading to the annexation of Texas to the United States in 1845.
US Department of State
U.s. Department of State: Office of the Historian: Milestones: 1830 1860
Concisely written accounts of three important events in the history and shaping of Texas: the Annexation of Texas, the Mexican-American War, and the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo.
Texas Public Broadcasting
Texas Pbs: Texas Our Texas: Early Statehood 1845 1861
Examines the circumstances surrounding Texas's entry into the Union in 1845 as a slave state. It was an uneasy union, with ongoing controversy around the issue of slavery. This lasted through the Mexican-American War and helped to...
Other
Global Security: 54 40 or Fight
Describes the significant territorial changes that took place in the United States under the presidency of James K. Polk. These included the annexation of Texas, the settling of the dispute with Great Britain over claims to Oregon...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1844 1877: Annexing Texas
Quickly following Texan independence, the United States admitted Texas into the republic as a slave state.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: Anglo Amer. Colonization in Texas: Texas 1836 1848
A brief look at the declaration of independence from Mexico by Texas in 1836, the removal of restrictions on slavery, and how this dramatically increased the population and led to a much greater reliance on the cotton industry in the...
Texas State Historical Association
Texas State Historical Association: The Law of April 6, 1830
Read this short overview of The Law of April 6, 1830 which was to counter concerns that Mexican Texas, part of the border state of Coahuila y Texas, was in danger of being annexed by the United States.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: Expansion and War: The United States 1840 1860
Article on the era of westward expansion and the resulting Mexican American War. The author demonstrates how Manifest Destiny and frontier settlement led to the annexation of Texas and ultimately war with Mexico over the territory.
Other
Texas Bob: The Tri Weekly Telegraph: Death of Gen. Houston
Read the article from Texas' Tri-Weekly Telegraph from July 29, 1863, recounting the death of General Sam Houston. He was known for bringing Texas into the United States as a constituent state.
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum
Rutherford B. Hayes Center: Who Is James K. Polk?
This page features an analysis of the Democratic Party's decision to nominate the relatively unknown James Polk for their presidential candidate in 1844. This article gives insight into the political atmosphere of the time.