Portrait of Sam Houston
Color photograph of original artwork on display at the San Jacinto Museum of History, Houston, Texas

Texas was a free and independent Republic for ten years. During this time, the government struggled with several key issues. They had to pay off the debts incurred during the revolution, had to secure formal recognition as a free nation from the United States and European countries, and had to contend with a very unhappy Mexico, who still did not formally recognize Texas independence. However, the most divisive issue was whether or not to allow annexation to the United States.

Sam Houston, the first elected president of the Republic, favored annexation and worked diligently towards this goal. His successor, Mirabaue B. Lamar, strongly opposed annexation on the grounds that Texians had worked hard for independence and wanted to create their own nation. Houston and Lamar bitterly opposed each other, and soon the entire Republic was split into factions supporting one or the other leaders.

During Houston's first term as President, he concentrated on solving the domestic financial problems of the young nation, and urged the other nations of the world to recognize their independence. Lamar, elected in 1838, became known as the Father of Texas Education for his diligence in developing public education. He also passed legislation that would limit the seizure of personal property to pay off debts.