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Unit 7
The Republic of Texas
Lesson 1
Texas gained its
independence from
Mexico and became a
country in 1836. It faced
many challenges and
only lasted as a country
for four years.
 This was the territory
The Republic of Texas
had until it was annexed
into the United States.
The Republic of Texas Issues
Economic:
The country found
itself in debt.
 The Republic of
Texas faced many
political, economic
geographic, and
social issues.
Geographic:
Texas had a large
territory and not
enough settlers.
Political:
Leaders were trying to
establish a government
with three branches.
Social:
Texans
feared
attacks from
Mexicans.
The Republic of Texas mirrored the
United States government. It had a
set constitution that stated the country
would have three branches of
government: Judicial, Legislative,
and Executive. It also stated that any
official or representative would have
to be elected in order to gain the
position.
Texas had four presidents
during the time it was a
country. Sam Houston was
elected as the first
president, and was also
elected as the third
president. Mirabeau Lamar
was the second president.
The last president of the
Republic of Texas was
Anson Jones.
The Republic of
Texas also had
problems finding a
city for the capital.
This caused the
capital to move
around Texas for
three years. Finally
in 1839, the Texas
Congress created a
commission who
chose Austin as the
permanent capital.
Economics
The country found itself in debt with
over $1 million. This was due to the
war it had fought against Mexico to
gain its independence. Even though
the government tried, the expenses
and debt grew over time, and Texas
did not have the money to pay the
different countries it owed.
Geographic
• Texas had a large territory with a small population, and had
much land to sell to settlers.
• The Republic of Texas had parts of land from the present day
borders of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and
Wyoming.
Social
• Texans lived their lives like the citizens of the United States.
They owned businesses, ranches and farms.
• The new government of the country along with President
Lamar set aside 2 million acres of land for public education.
• One thing that the citizens did face was the constant fear and
attacks from the Native Indians and Mexico.
Works Cited
• www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Texas#Republic
• www.tsl.state.tx.us/shield/texas.html
• www.googleimages.com
• C-Scope Unit 7 Lesson 1 Social Studies 4th Grade