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 ten years due to political divisions over slavery. Texas entered the nation as a slave state, and seceded from it 15 years later as part of the Confederate States of America.
to add or incorporate land into an existing parcel, state, or nation.
having to do with the Confederate States of America (south) during the Civil War.
geographic territory with a distinct name, flag, population, boundaries, and government.
free from influence, threat, or support.
to withdraw from part of a union or alliance.
person who is owned by another person or group of people.
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Editor
Caryl-Sue, National Geographic Society
Producer
Mary Crooks, National Geographic Society
Last Updated
Dec. 17, 2013
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Slavery
Slavery was a deeply rooted institution in North America that remained legal in the United States until 1865. It took the abolition movement, a civil war, and the ratification of the 13th amendment to end slavery. Though it did not end racism and descendants of these people are still struggling with discrimination today. Use these resources to teach more about significant figures in the abolition movement, the causes of the Civil War, and how slavery sustained the agricultural economy in the United States for centuries.
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Political Boundaries
A political boundary is an imaginary line separating one political unit, such as a country or state, from another. Sometimes these align with a natural geographic feature like a river to form a border or barrier between nations. Occasionally, two countries may contest where a particular border is drawn. These disputes might arise due to a natural resource both groups want, like in the case of Sudan and South Sudan, or in an attempt to gain more political power, as in the case of Pakistan and India in the Kashmir region. Use these resources to explore more about political boundaries.
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Slavery
Slavery was a deeply rooted institution in North America that remained legal in the United States until 1865. It took the abolition movement, a civil war, and the ratification of the 13th amendment to end slavery. Though it did not end racism and descendants of these people are still struggling with discrimination today. Use these resources to teach more about significant figures in the abolition movement, the causes of the Civil War, and how slavery sustained the agricultural economy in the United States for centuries.
-
Political Boundaries
A political boundary is an imaginary line separating one political unit, such as a country or state, from another. Sometimes these align with a natural geographic feature like a river to form a border or barrier between nations. Occasionally, two countries may contest where a particular border is drawn. These disputes might arise due to a natural resource both groups want, like in the case of Sudan and South Sudan, or in an attempt to gain more political power, as in the case of Pakistan and India in the Kashmir region. Use these resources to explore more about political boundaries.