Republic of Texas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Republic of Texas República de Tejas  (Spanish)
1836–1846
Flag (1839–1845) Seal (1839–1845)
Motto:  ”Remember the Alamo”
Anthem:  "Will you come to the Bower" March:  "The Texian Grand March"
Map of the Republic of Texas. The disputed area is in light green, while the Republic is in dark green.
Capital	San Antonio de Bexar (Mexican Texas) San Felipe de Austin (1835, provisional) Washington-on-the-Brazos (1836, interim) Harrisburg (1836, interim) Galveston (1836, interim) Velasco (1836, interim) Columbia (1836–1837) Houston (1837–1839) Austin (1839–1846)
Common languages	English and Spanish (de facto) French and German Native languages (Caddo, Comanche) and Portuguese regionally
Government	Unitary Presidential Constitutional republic
President1
• 1836	David G. Burnet
• 1836–38	Sam Houston, 1st term
• 1838–41	Mirabeau B. Lamar
Vice President1
• 1836	Lorenzo de Zavala
• 1836–38	Mirabeau B. Lamar
• 1838–41	David G. Burnet
• 1841–44	Edward Burleson
• 1844–45	Kenneth L. Anderson
Legislature	Congress
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	House of Representatives
Historical era	Western Expansion
• Independence from Mexico	March 2, 1836
• Annexation by the United States of America	December 29, 1845
• Transfer of power	February 19, 1846
Area
1840	1,007,935 km2 (389,166 sq mi)
Population
• 1840	70,000
Currency	Republic of Texas Dollar
Preceded by Succeeded by Coahuila y Tejas First Mexican Republic Louisiana Texas New Mexico Territory Utah Territory Indian Territory Second Federal Republic of Mexico Cimarron Territory Kansas Territory
Today part of	United States
1Interim period (March 16 – October 22, 1836): President: David G. Burnet, Vice President Lorenzo de Zavala

The Republic of Texas was an independent country in North America. It existed between the United States and Mexico from 1836 to 1845. The people living in Texas declared their independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836.

Mexico's army, led by General Santa Anna, marched into Texas. They attacked the new country. However, the Mexican army was defeated. General Santa Anna was captured in a battle near the city of Houston.

The new Republic of Texas faced many challenges. It did not have a strong government or much money. Mexican forces often raided its borders. There was also fighting between the settlers and the Native Americans. The United States government did not officially recognize the Republic of Texas at first.

Why Did Texas Become a Republic?

Texas was part of Mexico. Many people from the United States moved there. These settlers wanted more control over their own lives. They felt that the Mexican government was not listening to their needs.

They decided to break away from Mexico. This led to the Texas Revolution. The goal was to create their own independent country.

Life in the Republic of Texas

Life in the new republic was tough. The government was still forming. Money was scarce, which means there wasn't much of it. The country had to deal with threats from Mexico. They also had to manage conflicts with Native American groups.

Despite these problems, many new settlers arrived. They came from the United States and other places. They hoped for a new life in Texas.

How Did Texas Join the United States?

In 1841, Santa Anna became president of Mexico again. Border attacks on Texas increased. By this time, thousands of new settlers had moved to Texas. Many people in the United States supported the Texans.

The idea of Texas joining the U.S. became very popular. This was known as annexation. It meant Texas would become a part of the United States.

The Republic of Texas officially ended on December 29, 1845. On this date, Texas became the 28th state of the United States of America.

Images for kids

• 

  Baylor University, 1892 lithograph

• 

  The Hôtel Bataille de Francès (now Hôtel de Vendôme), Place Vendôme in Paris, housed the Embassy of the Republic of Texas.

• 

  Postage stamp issued on the 100th anniversary of Texas statehood, 1945

See also

In Spanish: República de Texas para niños