When Texas became a state in 1845, its first task was to write a new state constitution. The governor was elected for a two-year term, as were the members of the House of Representatives. Senators were elected for four-tear terms. The constitution also created a supreme court and district and county courts. In addition, it protected the system of slavery. Most of the leaders of early Texas joined the Democratic Party, which was very strong in the South. The other major political party—the Whigs—lacked support in Texas because many Whigs had opposed annexation and slavery.
War With Mexico Mexico considered it an insult when the United States government annexed Texas. In addition, Mexico never accepted the Rio Grande as the boundary between Texas and Mexico. Tensions grew worse when President James K. Polk wanted to buy California from Mexico, and Mexico refused to negotiate. In March 1846, President Polk ordered General Zachary Taylor to move troops to the Rio Grande, where they clashed with Mexican solders. The U.S. Congress declared war.
More than 5,000 Texans quickly answered the call to arms. With better-equipped and better-led soldiers, the United States won the war. On February 2, 1848, a peace treaty at Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed. Mexico abandoned all claims to Texas and surrendered all territory between western Texas and the Pacific Ocean.
More Immigrants Come to Texas Annexation, the lure of cheap land, and legalized slavery attracted thousands to Texas during the 1840s and 1850s. Most of the new arrivals came from the southern United States. Many Mexicans moved north into Texas. Some owned ranches, but most worked as cowhands, sheepherders, and ranch laborers. These Mexican Americans continued to face hostility and prejudice that had begun during Texas's battle for independence.
European immigrants represented almost every country of western Europe. The new arrivals brought their music, arts, languages, literature, and skills. Only a few Native American groups continued to live peaceably in Texas.
