Chapter 14: Texas Faces Foreign Challenges

Section 1: Foreign Recognition of Texas

Thinking Question

Why might a new nation want to

establish relations with other nations?

Establishing Diplomatic Ties

•Foreign Relations—official dealings with other nations

•Texas most wanted Mexico to recognize its independence

Establishing Diplomatic Ties•Why recognition?

–Mexico might then recognize independence

–Immigration to Texas–Foreign trade & loans–Could lead to U.S. annexation

Establishing Diplomatic Ties•Annexation

Issue:

–War with Mexico

–SlaveryU.S. Flag 1837-1845

Establishing Diplomatic Ties• 1836: Andrew

Jackson sends Henry Morfit to Texas

• Submits a negative report

• Jackson doubtful that Republic could survive

Andrew Jackson

Establishing Diplomatic Ties

•Republic's problems:–Population too small–Too much debt–Powerful enemy

Foreign Recognition• William H.

Wharton sent to U.S.

• Reports reach U.S. that Mexico is in chaos

• U.S. recognizes Texas

William H. Wharton

Foreign Recognition•Alcée Louis La

Branche—U.S. representative sent to Texas in 1837

• Memucan Hunt sent to Washington D.C.

Memucan Hunt

Foreign Recognition• Oct 1838:

withdraw request for annexation

• James Pinckney Henderson—Texas diplomat sent to Europe in 1837

James Pinckney Henderson

Foreign Recognition• European nations

wanted Texas to stay independent to prevent U.S. expansion

• Sept 1837: France recognizes Texas French Legation

Foreign Recognition•Great Britain, Belgium, and the Netherlands recognize Texas

•Mexico continues to refuse to recognize Texas

Foreign Recognition

Why Important

United States:

Europe:

Mexico:

How Successful