Anson Jones was elected president of the Republic of Texas in 1844. As president, he inherited economic problems and debt from previous administrations. He continued the policy of reduced government spending. The most serious issue facing his administration was whether Texas should pursue annexation by the United States. Most Texans approved of annexation after independence, though the US did not initially offer it. By 1845, few Texans were interested in negotiating with Mexico for recognition and there was debate among Texans on the issue of annexation.

1. Chapter 14: Texas Faces Foreign Challenges Section 3: The Last Years of the Republic

2. Bellwork Brainstorm arguments for and against the Republic of Texas pursuing annexation by the United States.

3. President Anson Jones Anson Jones Edward Burleson vs. Election of 1844

4. President Anson Jones Anson Jones: Served in Texas Congress Secretary of State under Houston Received support of Houston in election Anson Jones

5. President Anson Jones Edward Burleson: Disagreed with president on whether to attack Mexico At odds with Houston Received support of Lamar in election Edward Burleson

6. President Anson Jones Jones wins election Support of Houston very important to Anson Jones Problems of Texas associated with Lamar

7. President Anson Jones Jones inherits debt & economic problems Houston tried to limit government spending Jones continued policy of reduced spending

8. President Anson Jones Jones sought peace with Texas Indians As US annexation becomes more likely, value of Texas currency increases Republic of Texas Currency

9. Texans Debate Annexation Most serious issue facing Anson administration was the question of annexation by the U.S. Texans approved annexation after independence US did not offer annexation

10. Texans Debate Annexation Kept silent on issue Texans frustrated Wanted to keep options open Anson Jones

11. Texans Debate Annexation 1845: few Texans interested in negotiating with Mexico for recognition Texans debate issue Anson Jones: last president of the Republic