On December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state in the United States. Formerly part of Mexico, Texas had been an independent country since 1836.

Since its independence, Texas had sought annexation by the U.S. However, the process took nearly 10 years due to political divisions over slavery. Texas entered the nation as a state that legalized slavery, and seceded from it 15 years later as part of the Confederate States of America. Shortly after the elction of Abraham Lincoln, the confederacy seceded from the United States to continue enslaving people of African descent.
annex
Verb

to add or incorporate land into an existing parcel, state, or nation.
Confederate
Adjective

having to do with the Confederate States of America (south) during the Civil War.
country
Noun

geographic territory with a distinct name, flag, population, boundaries, and government.
enslaved person
Noun

person who is owned by another person or group of people.
independent
Adjective

free from influence, threat, or support.
secede
Verb

to withdraw from part of a union or alliance.

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    Editor

    Caryl-Sue, National Geographic Society

    Producer

    Mary Crooks, National Geographic Society

    Last Updated

    April 14, 2021

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