Why was Texas annexation in 1845 a turning point in Texas and U.S. history?(1 point)
Responses
The annexation of Texas in 1845 was a turning point in Texas and U.S. history because:
1) It led to the Mexican-American War: The annexation of Texas by the United States led to tensions with Mexico, which eventually sparked the Mexican-American War in 1846. This war resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States, including the present-day states of California, Nevada, and Utah, as well as parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas. This war marked a turning point in the expansion of the United States and solidified its control over a vast territory.
2) It increased tensions between the Northern and Southern states: The annexation of Texas as a slave state further intensified the already-existing tensions between the Northern and Southern states over the issue of slavery. The addition of Texas to the Union as a slave state tipped the balance of power in favor of the Southern states, leading to increased disputes and ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.
3) It expanded the territorial boundaries of the United States: The annexation of Texas extended the territorial boundaries of the United States and set a precedent for future territorial expansions. This expansionist mindset and the acquisition of new lands would later lead to the U.S. gaining territories in the southwest, including the Gadsden Purchase in 1853 and the eventual colonization of the Oregon Territory.
4) It solidified the idea of Manifest Destiny: The annexation of Texas was seen as a fulfillment of the concept of Manifest Destiny, which was the belief that the United States had a divine right and duty to expand across the continent. The acquisition of new territories further fueled the belief in manifest destiny and set the stage for future territorial expansions, such as the acquisition of California and the Oregon Territory.