Ch 4 Launching A Nation

Chapter Four

Launching a Nation

The New Nation Ad interim gov’t set up in March 1836

David G. Burnet elected President Lorenzo de Zavala elected Vice-President

Constitution of 1836 Gov’t could solicit loans Issue promissory notes Negotiate treaties Develop a military (army/navy)

Challenges Finances Indians Infrastructure Constant fear of Mexican Invasion

Establishing a permanent government General election to establish permanent gov’t originally planned for

December, but Burnet approved elections in September 1836

The New Nation, 1836-1848

David G. Burnet Lorenzo de Zavala

Election of 1836 Sam Houston won the Presidency easily due to his popularity

after San Jacinto Won over Henry Smith and Stephen F. Austin

Mirabeau B. Lamar chosen as Vice-PresidentConstitution of 1836

Texans easily approved the constitution Mandate for annexation to the United States Marked the endorsement of U.S. institutions to be transplanted

to Texas Republicanism was a primary example Presidential Elections

Served three-year terms, except the first president (limited to two years)

Presidents could serve alternate terms, but could not succeed themselves

Establishing Permanent Government

Supporting Concepts Adherence to Anglo-American lifeways

English the primary language of Texas Religious toleration

Catholics were the exception Free enterprise

Economic competition without gov’t interference

Republican Government Sovereignty was based upon the masses

Taken wholesale from the United States Checks and balances

Three branches of gov’t Regularly scheduled elections

Sam Houston’s administration greatly supported these ideals Houston was a U.S. congressman and Gov. of Tennessee Lamar served in the Georgia legislature

Republicanism in Texas

Houston’s administrationMixture of political allies and opponents

Wanted to create national harmony by integrating prewar factionsDetermined to have his political enemies as close as possible

Diplomatic RecognitionOne of Houston’s immediate concerns

Needed financial aid from other countries Recognition equals credibility; wanted to be seen as a legitimate

nation separate of MexicoUnited States recognition

Annexation was the goal, but U.S. President Jackson feared northern opposition Abolitionists in the U.S. saw annexation of Texas as part of a slave power

conspiracy in the South Did not act on annexation during his presidency

1837, the U.S. becomes the first country to recognize the Republic of Texas

Sam Houston’s First Term

Sam Houston Mirabeau B. Lamar

Financial Difficulties$1.25 million debt from the war and provisional

gov’tGov’t could not pay public officials, military, or

its war debtGov’t attempted to impose taxes

Little revenue due to Texans facing economic difficulties and little cash

Congress authorized printing of promissory notesDepreciation weakened the currency


Budget CutsHouston targets defense spending for

reductionOnly kept 600 volunteer soldiers on active dutyOffered to pay others to return to the U.S. or gave

them 1,280 acres if they wished to stay in TexasIndian Campaigns

Avoided conflict whenever possible

Public DebtAt the end of Houston’s term, the debt was

close to $2 million


Legal BoundariesFirst Congress fixed the Republic’s boundary at

the Rio GrandeFrom its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico to its source

in the RockiesThen, northward to the 42nd parallel

Mexican municipios became county unitsDistrict Courts formed


Immigration and Land PolicyLegislation passed to encourage immigration

To raise revenueLand policy

Rewarded veteransAlso attempted to populate the entire region of the

RepublicHeads of families received 640 acres; single men

received 320 acresTexas officials wanted people to purchase public land to

help pay the debtHowever, few people could afford to buy real estate

Overall, the Texas gov’t apportioned roughly 37 million acres (1836-1841)


Military and DefenseCongress allocated funds for a small navy and local militias

Citizen soldiers replaced the volunteer army

The Texas RangersCreated in May 1837 by CongressMost of the founding Rangers were citizen soldiers from

local militiasVolunteered to complete a specific missionReturned to civilian life afterwards

Duplicated the “strike and pursue” tactics of the Tejano militiasProtected the frontier from Indian attacks on settlers

The Texas Rangers were considered a unique Texas invention


Texas Political Factions Political parties did not exist, but pro- or anti-Houston factions did

Lamar was aligned with the anti-Houston faction

Lamar’s Complaints Cherokee treaty

Denounced Houston for failing to eliminate Indian dangers on the western frontier; did not endorse the neutrality treaty

Foreign relations Houston had not gotten Mexico to acknowledge Texas’ independence Lamar did not want U.S. annexation

Envisioned Texas a great republican power some day Financial Issues

Blamed the budget deficit on Houston’s financial ineptness

Election of 1838 Lamar easily won as Houston’s faction did not have a suitable

candidate David G. Burnet was elected as Vice-President

President Mirabeau B. Lamar

Mirabeau B. Lamar David G. Burnet

Public DebtLamar campaigned that he would alleviate the

debt by securing a $5 million loanHe never secured it

He issued $3 million of noninterest-bearing promissory notesAlso issued legal tender known as Texas RedbacksNo reserves in the treasury; only public honor and

public land to back the currencyTexas money cheapened as a result

By 1841, one dollar of the Republic’s paper money was worth 12 to 15 cents in U.S. currency


3 Dollar Bill, 1838

5 Dollar Redback, 1839 (Front)

50 Dollar Redback, 1839 (Back)

Liberal Fiscal Policy Lamar spent extravagantly Money sources

Business licenses Limited available credit Taxes on slaves $457,380 loan from a bank in Philadelphia (1839)

Military budget Built up the navy Increased staffs of frontier garrisons Launched a costly campaign against the Indians

Campaigned against the Cherokees; Houston’s friend Chief Bowles killed Cost the Republic $2.5 million

Moved the Texas capitol Transferred the capitol from Houston to Austin (on the Colorado River) Another way to lash out against Sam Houston’s influence Founded the Texas State Library


Liberal Fiscal PolicyDebate over Lamar’s policy

Was it visionary or foolish?Some historians see it as a well-thought out plan to ensure

Texas’ survival until the U.S. annexed it in the mid-1840s

Foreign Relations with MexicoSent 3 separate agents to Mexico to enact a peace

settlementThey all failed

Lamar argued that the Rio Grande River was the western boundary of TexasHe attempted to buy the region between the Nueces River

and the Rio Grande (Lamar attempted to be diplomatic)Friction over this led to the Santa Fe Expedition


Santa Fe Expedition Lamar assumed that New Mexico would rather be Texans than

Mexican citizens Decided to send an expedition to Santa Fe to spread their influence and

goodwill Congress refused to fund the expedition in 1839 and 1840 Lamar took $89,000 from the Texas Treasury and send their

expedition on presidential orders 320 armed soldiers marched over 1,000 miles under the command of Hugh

McLeod Left in June 1841, finally got there in October 1841

As soon as the Texans arrived in Santa Fe, Mexican soldiers intercepted them and forced them to march to Mexico City

Many Texans died during the march Congress was furious when they found out

The legislature censured Lamar and almost impeached him However, his three year term was coming to a close and they did not want to

cause further friction


Recognition in EuropeLamar sent agents to Europe to petition for diplomatic

recognition and loansLamar was really trying to get the $5 million loan he promised

EnglandStrong abolitionist sentiment in England; wanted to keep Texas at

arm’s lengthAlso wanted to maintain cordial relations with MexicoConsented to only a trade agreement in 1838

FranceWanted to acquire new friend in North AmericaAlso liked the prospect of Texas independence from the U.S.France sent Count Alphonse de Saligny to inspect Texas

Favorable reviewFrance became the first European nation to recognize the

Republic in September 1839


Recognition in EuropeNetherlands

Acknowledge Texas’ independence in September 1840

England’s recognitionFinally recognized diplomatic relations in

November 1840Lamar’s $5 million loan

Though agents in Europe successful obtained trade agreements and international recognition, they were not able to secure Lamar’s loan

Economic issues in Europe prompted financial restraint


“The Father of Texas Education”Lamar’s view: “Cultivated mind is the guardian

genius of democracy and while guided and controlled by virtue, the noblest attribute of man. It is the only dictator that freemen acknowledge and the only security that freemen desire.

County Education AllocationsSet aside 4 leagues (17,714 acres) of land in each

county for primary schoolsHigher Education

50 leagues of land was allocated for the support of two universitiesLater became Texas A&M and the University of Texas


Education in the RepublicThough Lamar made progressive reform to improve

education, it largely remained rudimentaryUnpredictable weather, bad infrastructure, familial

duties, and Indian raids impeded the routine of learningEducational reforms such as those championed by

Horace Mann in the U.S. did not make it to TexasPublic education funded by tax payersNon-sectarian educational facilitiesWell-educated teachers

Most elite families sent their children to the U.S.Little literature was produced by citizens in the

Republic


Folk Literature in the RepublicColorful tall tales and exaggerated humorLargely based in the oral tradition of common people

Similar to preservation goals of oral historians todayDavy Crockett and Sam Houston were popular subjects

Houston’s constant drinking and affinity for whiskeyCrockett’s infamous violin serenade at the AlamoThese were individuals that the common man could identify

with

Newspapers in the RepublicThe Telegraph and Texas Register were fairly successful

publicansAustin started two newspapers that covered political

issues and frontier affairs


The Homestead ActPassed in 1839Protected citizens from seizure of their homes, land,

tools, and work animals for any debts they hadSimilar to laws in Hispanic culture

The Texas Empresario SystemInstituted in 1840-1841Modeled on the Mexican colonization program

Based on the Constitution of 1824Issued contracts to immigration agents

Entrusted with the duty of settling colonists in specific areas


Houston’s comebackHouston’s faction charged Lamar with fiscal

ineptness alsoLamar racked up $7 million in debt by 1841Houston saw the relocation of the capitol to Austin

as financially irresponsible (and the location was vulnerable to Indian attack)

Houston easily defeated Burnet (the Lamar candidate)

Houston’s second term: December 1841 to December 1844

Sam Houston’s Second Term

Sam Houston Edward Burleson

Bureaucratic RetrenchmentCongress terminated dozens of officesLowered salaries of public officialsReduced military forces

Only a few companies of Texas Rangers were left

Houston’s Fiscal PolicyOverturned fiscal policies passed by LamarOnly $200,000 of legal tender was printedHouston spent less than $600,000 in his second

term


Occupation of San AntonioAfter Lamar’s blunder in Santa Fe, Santa Anna

orders the army to cross the Rio Grande and into San AntonioHe wanted to spread his influence and goodwill

San Antonio fell again to the MexicansLeft after 2 days, but took 60 prisoners with them

Houston responds by sending General Alexander Somervell to the Rio GrandeExpedition of 750 menGoal was to protect the border from future

invasions


The Mier Expedition300 of Somervell’s men decided to ignore the

General and begin a counteroffensive into Mexico

On Christmas Day 1842, 260 Texans entered MierThey were captured by Mexican infantrymen

The prisoners were marched to Mexico CityA majority managed to escape temporarilyOnly 4 made it back to Texas

Mexican troops recaptured 176 TexansSanta Anna initially ordered all the Texans to

be executed


The Black Bean Episode In Mexico City, Santa Anna reduced the number of

Texans to be executed to 10 percentThe men to be executed would be chosen by lottery

The Texans were forced to draw from a pot containing 159 white beans and 17 black beans

Those who drew the black beans would die by firing squad

Results of the Mier ExpeditionTexans began to want U.S. annexation againBenefits of joining the Union

Financial security; Texas was almost bankruptMilitary security; fear of a massive Mexican invasion and

Indian raidsLand values; great potential for land value profits


Houston on Annexation U.S. sentiment toward annexation was favorable due to

England’s assistance to Texas Afraid that Britain would gain too much influence in North America

again Annexation of Texas fit into most Americans’ goal of Manifest

Destiny However, northern abolitionists and “Free Soilers” were staunchly

opposed to annexing another slave state U.S. President John Tyler supported an annexation treaty in April

1844 Rejected by the U.S. Senate 35 to 16 Former President Martin Van Buren worked especially hard to make

sure Texas was not annexed Houston began courting the British, French, and the pro-

annexation camp in the U.S. Attempting to gain influence with the U.S. through diplomacy


Martin Van Buren

Manifest Destiny

What is it?• The driving force (one component) behind America’s expansion to the west

(specifically the Pacific Coast)• Was not an official government policy• Promoted heavily in newspapers, posters, and other propaganda• John O’Sullivan first uses the term in a newspaper in 1845

• “manifest destiny to overspread the continent”• Regarding the annexation of Texas• Says America was “chosen” to lead the continent out of wilderness• Americans were “chosen” to establish civilization

What caused it?• Myth of the Chosen Nation – God chose the Americans to establish democracy

from sea to shining sea• The Louisiana Purchase – over 1/3 of the continent is gained by Jefferson’s

legislation• Government saw the appeal of potential land bringing more political power to the

growing nation• Land Availability + Politics + Religion = Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny

What it meant to the country• Through physical expansion to the west, the United States would be set

on a course to become a political and social superpower• Manifest Destiny adds fuel to the fire of expansion

• Advertising potential for great wealth in minerals in the West• Promoting programs to help the downtrodden acquire and keep land in

the West (if they paid their way)

Results• Many Easterners head to the West in search of riches and a new start

• Most believing they were helping the US achieve Manifest Destiny and it was God’s chosen path for them

• Manifest Destiny expands to foreign policy• Becomes the driving force behind the Mexican-American War• Later, the Spanish-American War (after we achieve “sea to shining sea”)• Today, becomes intertwined with globalization

• We must spread democracy throughout the world

Manifest Destiny

Election of 1844Jones was Houston’s

Secretary of StateEasily won the presidency

on a platform similar to Houston’sKenneth Lewis Anderson

was his Vice-PresidentRan a virtually silent

campaign

Last President of the RepublicTerm of office: December

1844 – February 1846

President Anson Jones

Financial Issues Jones was never able to rein in

the Republic’s debtBy the time Texas was

annexed, the debt was roughly $10 million

AnnexationBefore U.S. President John

Tyler left office, he proposed Texas annexation one last time through a joint resolutionOnly required a majority

approval of both houses of Congress


John Tyler

President Jones’ Silence Jones was largely silent on the issue of annexation

throughout his presidencyWas attempting to await the outcome of annexation, treaty, and

independence offersMany were the brain-child of Houston’s second term

Late 1844, the Texas Congress declared their intent to join the United StatesPopular sentiment grewPeople began to burn effigies of Jones due to his apparent

complacence on the issue June 1845, Jones put two choices up for consideration

Remain an independent nation Mexico agreed to a treaty recognizing Texas’ independence

Join the United StatesPeople overwhelming wished to join the United States


TexiansIndividuals that took extreme pride in the

nation “Rugged Individualism” – valued

resiliency, self-reliance, and couragePlays into Manifest Destiny; these were the

people expected to go and tame the West for the cause of M.D.

Typically a largely undisciplined and lawless societySocial pressures as a result of constant danger

was a significant cause

Social Challenges

IndiansTexas had no clear Indian policy and no standing

treaties Many tribes verged on extinction Cherokees

Sam Houston negotiated a treaty with the Cherokees in 1835 acknowledging their rights to lands in East Texas

The First Congress rejected this agreement, and Lamar’s election extinguished their hopes of becoming recognized landowners

The Cherokees resisted Lamar’s demand for their removal until Texas troops killed Chief Duwali in the Battle of Neches in 1839

Social Challenges

IndiansComanches

Comanches had no real tribal government and constantly breached treaties that Houston had negotiated

Comanche raids were characterized by destruction of property, murder, and hostage taking

In March 1840, Texans met with the Comanches at the Council House in San Antonio to negotiate hostage release. However, the negotiations failed, and both sides resumed their attacks

In October 1844, Houston negotiated a treaty of peace and commerce that led to some tranquility, but they never stopped marauding completely

Social Challenges

TejanosTejanos were torn between viewing their destinies as tied

to Anglo-Americans and expressing caution toward a people who viewed them with disgust and contempt

Tejanos were numerically disadvantaged, business was conducted in a foreign language, and most were not familiar with the new form of politics. They described themselves as “foreigners in their native

land.” Tejanos adopted many of the new customs and habits in

addition to retaining their cultural heritageMost struggled finding a niche in Anglo society and

supported themselves in the ranching and freighting industries

Social Challenges

Election of 1844

• Results• James Polk wins (friend of Andrew Jackson, Tennessee slaveholder)• He supported Texas annexation (even though it was Tyler’s idea)• Supported “reoccupation” of Oregon

Polk’s Goals• Reduce tariffs• Settle the Oregon dispute (“Fifty-four Forty or Fight!!”)• Make California a state

Oregon Territory Controversy• Democrats wanted Polk to be as uncompromising on Oregon as he was on Texas annexation• “Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!” – U.S. should be prepared to go to war with Britain (again) if

they were unwilling to move their border north to the 54, 40 degree boundary (near Russian-owned Alaska at this point)

• Polk decides to be diplomatic and settles on the 49th parallel (where Washington and Vancouver, B.C. still separate the two countries today)

• Bottom line: Manifest Destiny is attempting to claim British territory in the Northwest

The Road to War with Mexico

Oregon obtained, now on to Mexico!

• Polk tries diplomacy again• Sends John Slidell to buy California, New Mexico, most of Arizona, and the Rio Grande border

of Texas for $30 million• They didn’t take it; government was way too unstable and did not want to be a pawn of U.S.

imperialism• Mexico also felt that they still owned Texas and the U.S. was plotting to take all of Mexico

eventually

• Thornton Affair• Detachment of U.S. troops scouted near the Rio Grande border (near present-day Brownsville)• Skirmish with Mexican troops; 11 U.S. troops die• Gives the U.S. a reason to declare war though the circumstances behind the attack are still

uncertain

• Declaring War• Polk uses the Thornton Affair and Mexico’s refusal to sell their land as a cause for war• Exaggerates and says the Mexicans were actively attacking American soil• War declared on 13 May 1846

• Polarization on the War• Whigs (North and South) vehemently denounce the war; see Manifest Destiny causing

unnecessary expansion with a racist undertone • Democrats (especially Southerners) support the war; see the merits of Manifest Destiny

The Road to War with Mexico

Fighting the War on Three Fronts (1846-1848)• Santa Fe

• Led by General Stephen Kerney• Goal was to move through NM, AZ, and the Sonoran

desert to meet up with troops in California• California

• Kerney brings his troops through NM and AZ; arrives in California in late 1846

• Finally defeats the Mexicans near Los Angeles in January 1847

• Central Mexico• Polk sends General Zachary Taylor, finally occupies

Mexico City in September 1847

The Mexican War

6,000 Texans participated in the warTexas Rangers

Pseudo reconnaissance detachment for Zachary Taylor’s army

Crucial individualsJohn Coffee “Jack” Hayes, Ben McCulloch, William A. “Big

Foot” Wallace, Mustang Grey, and Samuel H. WalkerReceived numerous commendations from the U.S.

militaryNotoriety in Mexico

Known for extreme frontier individualismTook no prisoners, harassed civilians, and killed anyone

suspected of supporting MexicoKnown as “Los Diablos Tejanos” (The Texas Devils) by civilians

Texans in the Mexican War

Samuel H. Walker John Coffee “Jack” Hays Ben McCulloch

William A. “Big Foot” Wallace

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo• Land north of the Rio Grade, California, and everything in between up for

grabs• Mexico sells this land for $18 million (with a lot of influence from U.S.

military)• U.S. gain of 1.2 million square miles

Why Not Take All of Mexico?• Americans tired of expansion into Latin America• Manifest Destiny took on a selective, racist mentality• Americans came to believe Mexicans were inferior and did not want to

include them as citizens

Slavery Issue Many in the U.S. looked to the South for the future of the new territory Texas was now considered a major player in the “free” or “slave” state

debate

Results of the Mexican War

Ch 4 Launching A Nation

Education

Transcript of Ch 4 Launching A Nation