How did Texas become a slave state?
Although Mexico abolished most of its slavery in 1829, an exemption was made for Texas which had many slaves as a result of extensive cotton production by the Anglo settlers, primarily in east Texas. Since Texas had slaves prior to being admitted to the Union, it became a slave state by being admitted to the Union with no restriction on what was an already existing practice. This did not happen quickly, however. There was great tension in the U.S. about admitting another slave state resulting in the decision to admit Texas being delayed for almost 10 years after it was first proposed by the Republic of Texas. The decision to admit Texas ultimately resulted in war with Mexico and the eventual relinquishment by Mexico of Texas and giant expanses of land to the west (now New Mexico and Arizona) and the state of California. All of this continued to strain national bonds which were temporarily soothed by the Compromise of 1850.
