Statehood For Florida and
Texas
How Florida and Texas Came into the Union
Florida’s Road to Statehood
• Spain ceded Florida as part of the Adams – Onis treaty in 1821.
• Planters from Southern States began to move in large numbers to
Florida.
• Population grew from approximately 8,000 people in 1824 to 48,000
in 1837.
Obstacles for Statehood
• There were certain criteria that Florida had to meet before becoming
a state.
1. Needed a certain number of people living there.
2. Needed to draft a Constitution and submit it to congress.
• Florida would not be allowed into the Union unless a free State
entered at the same time.
Statehood for Florida
• In 1845, Iowa began the process of joining the Union as a free State.
• Florida was finally admitted into the Union in order to preserve the
balance of power in Congress.
Slave
Free
Texas Fights for Independence, Then
Statehood
• Mexico won Independence from Spain in 1821.
• Many Tejanos were citizens of Mexico but claimed Texas as their
home.
• Mexico initially welcomed American settlers into Texas, but they were
forced to follow Mexican laws.
• Must learn Spanish
• Become Catholic
• Outlaw slavery.
Texans Refuse Laws
• Many Texans and Tejanos disobeyed Mexican laws.
• Mexico issued a decree, banning all immigration into Texas.
• Leaders such as Stephen Austin and Sam Houston tried to
compromise and settle tensions with Mexican officials.
• Efforts failed Texans and Tejanos began planning to break away from
Mexico
Tensions Turn Violent
• Mexico sent General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna to put down any
rebellion.
• Mexican army comes across a small armed force of Texans barricaded
in a Mission in San Antonio.
• 185 Texans held off 1,800 Mexican
soldiers for 13 full days.
The Alamo
“The Lone Star Republic”
• A few days before the fall of the Alamo, Texan leaders got together to
declare their independence from Mexico. (March 2, 1836)
• Sam Houston was named Commander-in-chief of the Texan army.
• Houston gathers a force of 900 Texans and Tejanos to combat General
Santa Anna at San Jacinto.
• Texans launch a surprise attack on the larger force. They defeat and
capture Santa Anna.
• Santa Anna signs a peace treaty and recognizes Texas independence
The Country wants to Become a State
• Sam Houston was elected President of the new country.
• Houston asks America to annex Texas.
• Although America wants to take control of Texas but cannot.
• Texas would remain an independent Nation for 9 years before joining
the Union.