Instructions
Building on what we learned about the Texas Revolution (Worksheet 1), we now explore what happened right after Texas won its independence in 1836. For nine years (1836–1845), Texas was its own country, called the Republic of Texas. This worksheet focuses on the leaders and the challenges of settling this huge new country.
Section 1: Reviewing the Revolution
Now that you know the major events, quickly recall the following facts from our last worksheet.
- What was the name of the final, decisive battle where Texas won its independence in 1836?
Answer: _____
- Which year did the United States officially welcome Texas as a new state?
Answer: _____
- Before 1836, Texas was a part of which neighboring country?
Answer: _____
Section 2: Leaders of the Republic
After independence, Texas needed leaders to govern the new country. The two most important early leaders were Sam Houston (our military leader) and Stephen F. Austin (the original organizer of settlers).
Vocabulary Check: An Empresario was a person given the right to settle large tracts of land in Texas with families.
Activity: Who Said It? Match the leader to the idea or title they are known for.
| Leader | Known For (Write A or B) |
|---|---|
| 1. Sam Houston | A. First President of the Republic of Texas. Favored peace. |
| 2. Stephen F. Austin | B. Known as the Father of Texas. Was the most successful Empresario. |
| 3. Mirabeau B. Lamar | C. Second President. Known for spending money and wanting to push Texas borders far West. |
| 1. | 2. | 3. |
|---|---|---|
Section 3: The Challenges of the Republic
Being an independent country for nine years was hard! The Republic of Texas faced many problems before it decided to join the United States.
Part A: Fill in the Blank Use the words in the box to complete the sentences.
WORD BANK: Native Americans, debt, large, Washington D.C.
-
The biggest challenge the Republic of Texas faced was high ____, meaning they owed a lot of money.
-
Another major problem was conflict with various groups of ____ who lived on the land settlers wanted to move to.
-
The size of the land was so ____ that it was difficult for the Republic's small government to control all of it.
Part B: Mapping Early Settlements (History meets Geography)
Stephen F. Austin and other Empresarios settled thousands of families in Texas. They chose locations close to rivers for water, food, and transportation. This is how many major cities began!
Imagine you are an Empresario choosing a spot for a new settlement. Fill out the table below based on the geographical reason for settlement.
| Early Settlement Location | Why did settlers choose this spot? (Geographical Reason) |
|---|---|
| Example: Near the Gulf Coast | Access to the ocean for trade (shipping goods) |
| Near a major river (like the Brazos) | |
| Near a dense forest (East Texas) | |
| Near fertile, flat land | |
| Near a mountain range (West Texas) |
Section 4: Progressive Challenge (Combining Concepts)
Look back at the events of the Revolution and the Republic period. Which one of the three leaders (Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, or Mirabeau B. Lamar) would have been the most unhappy when Texas finally became a U.S. State in 1845? Explain your choice in one sentence.
Leader: _____
Reason: __
Answer Key
Section 1: Reviewing the Revolution
- The Battle of San Jacinto
- 1845
- Mexico
Section 2: Leaders of the Republic
| 1. | 2. | 3. |
|---|---|---|
| A | B | C |
Section 3: The Challenges of the Republic
Part A: Fill in the Blank
- The biggest challenge the Republic of Texas faced was high debt, meaning they owed a lot of money.
- Another major problem was conflict with various groups of Native Americans who lived on the land settlers wanted to move to.
- The size of the land was so large that it was difficult for the Republic's small government to control all of it.
Part B: Mapping Early Settlements (Acceptable Answers)
| Early Settlement Location | Why did settlers choose this spot? (Geographical Reason) |
|---|---|
| Example: Near the Gulf Coast | Access to the ocean for trade (shipping goods) |
| Near a major river (like the Brazos) | Source of drinking water, transportation, fishing, or fertile soil for farming. |
| Near a dense forest (East Texas) | Wood for building houses, fences, and tools. |
| Near fertile, flat land | Good location for growing crops (agriculture). |
| Near a mountain range (West Texas) | Possible mining opportunities or natural defense/shelter (Though settlement was slow here). |
Section 4: Progressive Challenge
Leader: Mirabeau B. Lamar
Reason: Lamar wanted Texas to remain an independent, powerful country and greatly expand its borders, so joining the USA was against his vision of Texas greatness.