Curated OER
Lincoln's Spot Resolutions
Students take a closer look at historical relations between the United States and Mexico. For this Texas annexation lesson, students examine primary documents authored by Zachary Taylor, James Polk, and Abraham Lincoln to consider why...
PBS
Pbs: New Perspectives on the West
This in-depth resource presents a history of the American West from pre-Columbian times until World War I with profiles, documents, and images. It encourages visitors to link these into patterns of historical meaning for themselves....
Texas A&M University
Sons of Dewitt Colony: Thomas Jefferson Rusk
Use this site to learn about the life and accomplishments of Thomas J. Rusk (1803-1857). Rusk's Secretary of War Report on the Battle of San Jacinto is also included here.
Other
Dmwv: The u.s. Mexican War: 1846 1848
Dedicated to the memory of U.S. veterans who fought in the U.S.-Mexican War, this website provides documents, images, maps, and FAQs.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Texas Treasures: Thomas Rusk
Thomas Rusk's Oath of Citizenship, Report from San Jacinto, and Letter on the 1850 Boundary Compromise are found here. You will see a picture of the original document, and a typed translation.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: Texas Annexation
It took "nine long and bruising years" for the Republic of Texas to join the United States. Why did it take so long? Who were the people involved in this process? Explore the Texas Annexation through the articles, artwork, and documents...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Presidents of the Republic of Texas: Anson Jones
Anson Jones, the fifth president of Texas, led Texas as it became the 28th state of the United States. Explore his early years, learn how he attained the presidency, and check out primary texts and timelines that provide a complete look...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: u.s. History Map Interactive
Become a geography whiz as you learn how the United States was settled. Discover how the continent was irrevocably changed by European colonization, the events that caused the wholesale displacement and decimation of the land's original...
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum
Rutherford B. Hayes Center: Who Is James K. Polk?
This page features an analysis of the Democratic Party's decision to nominate the relatively unknown James Polk for their presidential candidate in 1844. This article gives insight into the political atmosphere of the time.
US Department of State
Bureau of International Information Programs: History Outline: Sectionalism
Article reviews several conditions of American society that sowed the seeds of civil war, particularly slavery and sectional conflict.
Digital History
Digital History: Western Expansion: Conclusion
A good overview of the territorial expansion and its results that occurred in the United States over the first half of the 19th century.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Fort Scott National Historic Site: The Mexican War
This is a very brief overview of the Mexican War, organized into the following sections: "Zachary Taylor's Army," "The Army of the West," and "Invasion of Mexico City." Includes links to related articles and websites.
Other
Bound for Texas!
Contains a series of articles on the history of Texas such as "The First People", "The Republic" and more.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: Texas Annexation Questions and Answers
Did the U.S. start the Texas Revolution? How did slavery affect Texas? What were the boundaries of the Republic of Texas? Find detailed answers to these questions and others in this FAQ's page.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: The Texas Navy: Epilogue
What happened to the Texas Navy when the revolution was over and Texas was annexed by the U.S. in 1846? Check out primary texts from this time in Texas' history to research this topic: "First four pages of Edwin Moore's claims for...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Texas Treasures: The Republic of Texas
Here is an overview of the problems facing the young Republic of Texas. Hyperlinks to additional information.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: Aftermath the Reckoning
What happened in the 15 years that followed the annexation of Texas? How did the Mexican War end? Read this article to learn about the aftermath of the annexation, and check out primary documents--a "moral map" of the United States and a...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: International Matter: Texas Finds a Champion
Read about the failed attempts U.S. President John Tyler made in the annexation of Texas? Find the answer to this question and check out primary texts from this period in Texas' history.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: The Annexation Treaty
Isaac Van Zandt championed for U.S. annexation, despite the possibility of war and political uproar. Read about the annexation treaty in its infancy, the people involved, and the signing of the treaty in 1844.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: The Final Showdown Starting Over Again
What happened after the annexation treaty failed? Read primary documents to explore this period of Texas' history and learn about the people involved in this event.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: The Final Showdown Texas Makes Its Choice
In 1845, Texas finally became part of the United States after years of violence, opposition, and political struggles. At this site, you can check out the text of the Ordinance of Annexation and other primary texts that will help you...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: United States History Map: The Nation Expands
After examining a map showing the expansion of the United States, click to read about each addition to the country and see where that addition is. Play Expansion Concentration to test your skills.
San Jacinto Museum of History
San Jacinto Museum: How Did the Battle of San Jacinto Change the World?
This is an interesting look at the impact of the Battle of San Jacinto not only for the Republic of Texas, but for places in North America and in Europe. Links to additional information.
University of Oregon
Mapping History Project: Territorial Expansion of the u.s. 1783 1853
Click on the sliding bar and watch how the United States territory grew with the Louisiana Purchase, Florida Acquisitions, Texas Annexation, Oregon Country, and Mexican Cession.