Why was Texas annexation in 1845 a turning point in Texas and U.S. history?(1 point)
The annexation of Texas in 1845 was a turning point in Texas and U.S. history because it marked the integration of the Republic of Texas into the United States as the 28th state. This event had several significant implications:
1) Expansion of the United States: The annexation of Texas was a key step in the westward expansion of the United States, as it added a significant amount of land to the nation's territory. This expansion demonstrated the U.S.'s commitment to manifest destiny and the belief that it was their right to expand their borders from coast to coast.
2) Mexican-American War: The annexation of Texas led to heightened tensions between the United States and Mexico. Mexico, having never recognized Texas as an independent nation, considered annexation as an act of aggression. This ultimately led to the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), which was fought over border disputes between the two nations. The war resulted in the U.S. gaining significant territory in the Southwest, including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico.
3) Slavery: The annexation of Texas reignited the debate over the expansion of slavery in the United States. Texas was a slave-holding state, and its annexation both deepened and exacerbated the divide between the North and the South over the issue of slavery. This eventually led to the American Civil War, which had profound and lasting impacts on U.S. history.
4) Statehood for Texas: The annexation of Texas granted statehood to the territory, allowing it to become an equal member of the United States. This brought about significant changes in Texas as it transitioned from an independent republic to being governed under the U.S. federal system. It also solidified Texas's place within the union and further shaped the unique culture and identity of the state.
Overall, the annexation of Texas had wide-ranging effects on both Texas and U.S. history. It contributed to the expansion of the United States, escalated tensions with Mexico, intensified the slavery debate, and transformed Texas into a state within the United States.