Political considerations in the United States:
- Sectionalism: The annexation of Texas was a divisive issue in the United States, particularly due to the issue of slavery. The southern states, which largely supported slavery, favored annexation, while many northern states, which were becoming increasingly opposed to slavery, opposed it. The fear of upsetting the delicate balance between free and slave states in the Union delayed annexation.
- Abolitionist movement: The growing abolitionist movement in the United States strongly opposed the annexation of Texas, as they believed it would expand the territory where slavery was legal and increase the political power of the pro-slavery faction. The influence of abolitionist sentiments further complicated the annexation process.
External factors:
- Mexican opposition: Mexico, which had lost Texas in the Texas Revolution, never recognized the Republic of Texas as an independent nation and considered annexation by the United States as an act of aggression. The threat of war with Mexico loomed over the annexation debate and was a significant concern for the United States, especially considering the ongoing Mexican-American War (1846-1848).
- European involvement: European powers, particularly Great Britain and France, had an interest in maintaining a balance of power in the Americas and were concerned about the potential expansion of the United States. They expressed their opposition to the annexation of Texas, which added an international dimension to the debate and made it more complex.
- Economic considerations: Some members of Congress and the general public in the United States questioned the financial viability and economic benefits of annexing Texas. The Republic of Texas had significant debts, and there were concerns about the potential costs and risks associated with its integration into the Union.
These factors combined to create a complex situation that delayed the annexation of the Republic of Texas to the United States for nearly a decade. It was only after the resolution of the Mexican-American War and shifting political dynamics that Texas was eventually admitted to the Union as the 28th state in 1845.