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Senate Rejects Treaty To Annex Texas

1844

After Texas wins its independence from Mexico in 1836, it applies for statehood. But President Andrew Jackson hesitates out of concern over northern opposition to adding more slave-holding states and over the possibility of starting a war with Mexico. Jackson, instead, signs a resolution recognizing Texas as an independent republic. In 1844, Secretary of State John C. Calhoun sends a treaty of annexation to the Senate, but it is defeated by a vote of 35-16. The next year, Congress annexes Texas by a resolution, which requires a majority vote in both houses, rather than two-thirds of the Senate.