Website
Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: A Treaty of Annexation Tyler's Failed Gamble

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the part the question of the annexation of Texas played in the election of 1844 and the machinations of several politicians in addressing this question.
Handout
Lone Star Junction

Lone Star Junction: Archives of the West: Compromise of 1850

For Students 9th - 10th
This interesting website shows four plans of establishing the boundaries of Texas for its annexation into the U.S. This break-up of Texas lands became part of the Compromise of 1850.
Handout
Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Texas Treasures: The Republic of Texas

For Students 9th - 10th
Here is an overview of the problems facing the young Republic of Texas. Hyperlinks to additional information.
Website
Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: The Final Showdown the Crisis

For Students 9th - 10th
The opposition against Texas' annexation was strong, and supporters faced challenges between Polk's election and inauguration. What lead up to the passing of the Texas annexation? Check out primary texts to explore this time in Texas'...
Article
Other

Global Security: 54 40 or Fight

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes the significant territorial changes that took place in the United States under the presidency of James K. Polk. These included the annexation of Texas, the settling of the dispute with Great Britain over claims to Oregon...
Primary
Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: Texas Breaks Away Texas and Mexico

For Students 9th - 10th
After being taken over by Mexico in 1821, Texas became very attractive to people wanting to settle. New policies, however, upset the Texans, which lead to rebellions and the Texas Revolution of 1836. Read about it all, and check out...
Website
University of Virginia

Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Martin Van Buren

For Students 9th - 10th
Get the facts about the life and administraton of Martin Van Buren (1782-1862), the 8th President of the United States (1837-1841).
Handout
Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: Spanish Texas

For Students 9th - 10th
Texas was home to a "clash of three European empires" long before it became part of the United States. How did the Spanish claim Texas, and how was Spain outed by the Mexicans? Read about it all in this article, and check out related...
Handout
US Department of State

Bureau of International Information Programs: History Outline: Sectionalism

For Students 9th - 10th
Article reviews several conditions of American society that sowed the seeds of civil war, particularly slavery and sectional conflict.
Website
Digital History

Digital History: The Mexican War

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the attempt by the United States to purchase land in the Southwest prior to the declaration of war between the two countries. Find out the causes of the war, and see that there was considerable opposition to the war in the...
Unit Plan
US National Archives

Nara: Teaching With Documents: Lincoln's Spot Resolutions

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This "Teaching with Documents" lesson on Lincoln's spot resolutions explores the Mexican War, Lincoln's questioning of the propriety of the war, and the power of the U.S. President at that time. Content includes extensive historical...
Handout
PBS

New Perspectives on the West: Sam Houston (1793 1863)

For Students 9th - 10th
This biography on Sam Houston focuses his life as an advocate for Indians and his controversial political career.