The Annexation of Texas was a great victory for the United States. Both the acquisition of territory and military successes benefited the economy and standing of the U.S., and like with every land acquisition, continued to grow the reach of the country. But before the Annexation was Texas' fight for independence, something equally important in the history of the state and America as a whole.
Using a grid storyboard, students will examine both Texas’ fight for independence, as well as its eventual annexation into America as a state. One row will be used to explain Texan Independence and the other will focus on the Mexican-American War, in which Texas is fought for and won. Students will focus on major figures, major events, significance, and effects in regards to Texas as a territorial acquisition. Students will then analyze and connect Texas’ own fight for independence, and their eventual path to statehood, with America’s overall history of expansion.
This activity can be broken into smaller pieces among groups, if desired. One group can focus on Texan Independence,another group on the Annexation of Texas, or students can complete one column of the grid.
Extended Activity
Have students research the history of Mexico and their path to becoming an independent nation. This will give a more global perspective on Texas as a territory, and a more expansive history of the land, culture, and people of South Central North America. Use the grid storyboard layout detailing both French and Spanish control of the region, and Mexico’s path to independence.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard examining the Texan fight for independence and their annexation into the United States.
Gather age-appropriate primary sources such as letters, newspaper excerpts, or political cartoons from the era. These authentic materials help students connect with historical figures and events on a personal level.
Prompt students to identify who created each source and discuss their possible motivations. This builds critical thinking and helps students recognize differing viewpoints in history.
Organize students into small groups to share insights from their source analysis. Encourage respectful discussion and comparison of perspectives to foster collaboration.
Have students use evidence from primary sources to support their entries in the storyboard grid. This demonstrates how firsthand accounts inform historical interpretation.
Texan Independence refers to Texas breaking away from Mexico in 1836 to become its own republic, while the Annexation of Texas in 1845 was when Texas officially became a state within the United States.
Students can use a grid storyboard by creating rows for Texan Independence and the Annexation of Texas, and columns labeled for key topics like major figures, events, significance, and effects. Each cell summarizes or illustrates important details, making complex history easy to visualize.
Key figures include Sam Houston, leader of the Texan army; Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas"; Santa Anna, the Mexican president and general; and Davy Crockett, a hero at the Alamo.
The Annexation of Texas expanded U.S. territory, boosted the economy, and set the stage for the Mexican-American War. It also intensified debates over slavery and the balance of power between free and slave states.
Try using storyboard charts with labeled sections, group research on major events, or having students illustrate key moments. Assigning different groups to focus on independence, annexation, or international perspectives helps engage the class.