Texas was not sold by a Mexican president. Instead, it gained independence and was later annexed by the United States. However, the Mexican president most directly associated with the loss of Texas and subsequent significant territorial concessions to the United States was Antonio López de Santa Anna.
Understanding Texas's Separation from Mexico
The idea that a Mexican president "sold" Texas is a common misconception. Texas's separation from Mexico was a complex process involving revolution, independence, and annexation, rather than a direct sale transaction.
The Role of Antonio López de Santa Anna
Antonio López de Santa Anna, a prominent military and political leader, was a central figure in Mexican public life during the second quarter of the nineteenth century, serving as president eleven times throughout his remarkable career. His involvement in the events leading to Texas's separation is undeniable:
- Texas Revolution (1835-1836): As Mexico's president and commander of the army, Santa Anna personally led Mexican forces to quell the rebellion in Texas. Despite initial victories, such as the Battle of the Alamo, he was decisively defeated and captured at the Battle of San Jacinto in April 1836.
- Treaties of Velasco (1836): While a prisoner, Santa Anna signed these treaties, which effectively recognized Texas's independence and set the Rio Grande as the boundary. However, the Mexican government never ratified these treaties, maintaining that Santa Anna had no authority to sign them while imprisoned.
Key Events Leading to Texas's Loss
The process through which Mexico lost its claim over Texas involved several critical stages:
- 1836: Texas declares independence from Mexico and forms the Republic of Texas after the decisive victory at San Jacinto.
- 1845: The United States annexes Texas, which becomes the 28th U.S. state. This act was seen by Mexico as an invasion of its territory and ultimately led to war.
- 1846-1848: The Mexican-American War: Triggered by border disputes and the annexation of Texas, this conflict resulted in a decisive U.S. victory.
- 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: This treaty officially ended the Mexican-American War. While it did not "sell" Texas, it formally recognized the Rio Grande as the southern boundary of Texas and saw Mexico cede vast territories (including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma) to the United States for $15 million.
Distinguishing Territorial Cessions from "Selling Texas"
It is crucial to differentiate between the loss of Texas and other instances where Mexico did sell territory to the United States.
| Event | Date | Key Mexican President/Leader | Outcome for Mexico |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Revolution & Independence | 1835-1836 | Antonio López de Santa Anna | Loss of effective control over Texas; formation of the Republic of Texas. |
| Annexation of Texas by U.S. | 1845 | José Joaquín de Herrera | Texas becomes a U.S. state, intensifying U.S.-Mexico tensions. |
| Mexican-American War | 1846-1848 | Antonio López de Santa Anna | Major military defeats, leading to significant territorial losses. |
| Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo | 1848 | Manuel de la Peña y Peña | Formal cession of large territories (including confirmation of Texas's border) for \$15 million. |
| Gadsden Purchase | 1853-1854 | Antonio López de Santa Anna | Direct sale of a southern strip of land (parts of modern Arizona and New Mexico) to the U.S. for \$10 million. |
As the table illustrates, while Santa Anna was instrumental in the events that led to Texas's independence and was involved in later territorial sales, Texas itself was not "sold" but rather separated and subsequently annexed. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo formalized the loss of Texas by recognizing its border and involved a cession of other territories, not a sale of Texas itself.
