Republic of Texas: The Lone Star Republic (1836–1845)

The Republic of Texas existed as a sovereign nation for **9 years, 11 months**—from the Declaration of Independence (March 2, 1836) to U.S. annexation (December 29, 1845; statehood February 19, 1846).

Origins: Revolution (1835–36)

Anglo-American settlers (*Texians*) and *Tejanos* (Mexican Texans) revolted against Centralist policies of Antonio López de Santa Anna: revocation of 1824 Constitution, abolition of state legislatures, tariff enforcement, slavery restrictions (Mexico abolished slavery 1829; Texas got temporary exemption). Key battles: Gonzales (Oct 1835), Alamo (Mar 1836), Goliad (Mar 1836), San Jacinto (Apr 21, 1836—decisive 18-min victory).

Nation-Building

• Constitution (1836): Modeled on U.S.—president, bicameral congress, supreme court, slavery protected.
• Presidents: Sam Houston (1836–38, 1841–44), Mirabeau Lamar (1838–41), Anson Jones (1844–46).
• Diplomacy: Recognized by US, France, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Yucatán. No Mexican recognition.
• Economy: Cotton, cattle, land sales. Chronic debt ($10M+); paper money ("redbacks") hyperinflated.
• Population (1846): ~100,000 (Anglos, Tejanos, enslaved Africans, Germans, Czechs, Comanche/Kiowa/Arapaho outside settlements).

Challenges

• Mexican raids (Vásquez, Woll 1842).
• Comanche/Kiowa wars on frontier.
• Debt, currency collapse, factional politics (Houston vs. Lamar).
• Slavery: Annexation delayed by U.S. sectional balance (free vs. slave states).

Annexation

Tyler/Texas treaty failed Senate (1844). Polk elected on annexation platform (1844). Joint Resolution passed Congress (1845). Texas voters approved (Oct 1845). Statehood: Dec 29, 1845.

The Lone Star flag became the state flag—only former republic's flag to fly over a U.S. state capitol.