Texas Confederacy: What Was The Constitution?

Texas was admitted into the Confederacy on March 2, 1861, after it seceded from the Union on February 1 of the same year. Texas' secession was largely driven by its desire to preserve slavery and its dissatisfaction with the US government's failure to protect its citizens and reimburse expenses incurred in defending against Indian savages and banditti from the neighboring territory of Mexico. To align with the Confederacy, Texas amended its constitution in 1861, making changes such as replacing references to the United States with the Confederate States and requiring elected officials to pledge allegiance to the Confederacy. This 1861 constitution served as the basis for Texas' governance during its time in the Confederacy.

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Texas' secession from the Union

Texas was admitted into the Confederacy on March 2, 1861, after declaring its secession from the Union on February 1, 1861. Texas replaced its governor, Sam Houston, who refused to take an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy, with Lieutenant Governor Edward Clark.

Texas's secession from the Union was influenced by several factors, including:

• The failure of the Federal Government to protect the lives and property of Texans against Indian raids and Mexican bandits. Texas's state government had spent significant funds on defence, but the Federal Government refused reimbursement, increasing the state's insecurity.
• The issue of slavery: Texas aimed to preserve the institution of slavery, particularly the servitude of the African race to the white race. Abolitionist demands threatened the continuation of slavery, a crucial aspect of Texas's economy and society.
• Texas's desire for independence and self-governance, as reflected in its previous existence as the Republic of Texas.
• Texas's geographical and cultural ties to other slave-holding states in the Confederacy.

After seceding, Texas adopted a new constitution in 1861. This constitution transferred Texas's statehood from the United States to the Confederate States, requiring elected officials to pledge loyalty to the Confederacy. However, the 1861 constitution did not significantly alter the previous constitution from 1845, mainly changing references from the United States to the Confederate States.

The Confederate States constitution

Texas joined the Confederacy on March 2, 1861, after it had replaced its governor, Sam Houston, who refused to take an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy. Before joining the Confederacy, Texas was a part of the Union. Texas declared its secession from the Union on February 1, 1861.

The Constitution of the Confederate States of America was drawn up by its Provisional Congress. The Confederate Constitution was copied almost entirely from the Constitution of the United States, with a few changes. The Confederate Constitution required elected officials to take an oath of loyalty to the Confederate States of America. It also allowed the Legislature to have some extension of power to raise funds within bounds and on terms that would be safe and beneficial for the State.

The Texas Constitution of 1876, which is the sixth constitution by which Texas has been governed since independence from Mexico in 1836, was framed by the Constitutional Convention of 1875 and adopted on February 15, 1876. It contains some provisions that are uniquely Texan, many of which are products of the state's unusual history. Some, for example, may be traced to Spanish and Mexican influence. The Texas Constitution of 1876 begins with a lengthy bill of rights, declaring that Texas is a free and independent state, subject only to the Constitution of the United States, and guaranteeing rights such as freedom of speech and press, and the right to keep and bear arms.

Texas' ratification of the Confederate constitution

Texas was admitted into the Confederacy on March 2, 1861, after it had replaced its governor, Sam Houston, who refused to take an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy. Before joining the Confederacy, Texas was a free, sovereign, and independent nation. On February 1, 1861, Texas declared its secession from the Union.

The 1861 Texas Constitution was drafted to transfer Texas statehood from the United States of America to the Confederate States of America. This constitution was not a significant departure from the 1845 constitution, but it did involve changing references from the United States of America to the Confederate States of America and requiring elected officials to swear an oath of loyalty to the Confederate States.

The Texas Constitution of 1861 was amended to be in line with the Confederacy, and the legislature was granted more power to raise funds. The people of Texas desired to avoid the strife within the state regarding its political position, and the Confederacy wanted to protect Texas, particularly its desolated frontier. Texas's connection with the Confederacy was also expected to encourage other border states to join.

The Texas Constitution of 1861 began with a bill of rights, declaring Texas a free and independent state, subject only to the Constitution of the United States, and guaranteeing rights such as freedom of speech and press, the right to bear arms, and the right to a trial by jury.

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Texas' governor refusing to take an oath of allegiance

Texas was admitted into the Confederacy on March 2, 1861, after the Texas secession convention officially confirmed the results of the popular election that took place in late February. The 1861 constitution was drafted to transfer Texas statehood from the United States of America to the Confederate States of America. This constitution was based on the 1845 constitution, with alterations in references from the United States of America to the Confederate States of America. It also required elected officials to take an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy.

Texas Governor Sam Houston defied the state legislature by refusing to recognize the Confederacy’s legitimacy and take the oath of allegiance. Houston argued that the convention’s requirement to take a loyalty oath was beyond its power and therefore void. He asserted that he would not yield to “usurpation and degradation” by taking the oath. On March 16, Houston staged a dramatic protest at the state capitol in Austin when called upon to swear loyalty to the Confederacy. He ignored the call to take the oath three times, whittling throughout the proceedings.

Houston later issued a statement refusing to take the oath in the name of the rights and liberties, nationality, and Constitution of Texas, as well as his conscience and manhood. He denied the power of the Convention to speak for Texas. Houston and his family vacated the Governor’s Mansion in Austin and retired to their home in Huntsville. The Lincoln administration offered to reinforce Houston with 50,000 troops to help him regain his governorship and keep Texas in the Union by force, but this effort was unsuccessful.

Texas' motivations for joining the Confederacy

Texas played a significant role in the Civil War, both economically and militarily. The state supplied the Confederacy with food, clothing, arms, and soldiers. Texas also served as an important outlet for Confederate cotton through the Republic of Mexico. Texas' motivations for joining the Confederacy were complex and multifaceted. Here are some key factors that influenced the state's decision:

Preservation of Slavery:

The primary goal of Texas in joining the Confederacy was to preserve slavery. At the time, African Americans comprised around 30% of the state's population, and they were overwhelmingly enslaved. Texans believed that independence without slavery would be worthless, and they wanted to protect their economic interests and way of life.

States' Rights:

Texans had strong support for secession, motivated by concerns over potential threats to states' rights. They believed that the federal government had failed to protect their rights and interests, particularly in relation to slavery and border security.

Border Security:

Texas had experienced issues with "Indian savages" on its borders and "murderous forays" from Mexico. The federal government had refused reimbursement for expenses incurred by the state government in dealing with these issues, leading to a sense of insecurity among Texans.

Cultural and Historical Ties:

Texas shared many cultural, historical, and economic ties with the South. While it could also be considered part of the broader West region due to its size and location, its connections to the South were significant. Joining the Confederacy was seen as a natural association with its "Southern sisters."

Political Alignment:

The election of Abraham Lincoln and the growing influence of the Republican Party further motivated Texans to join the Confederacy. They believed that the Republican Party supported the abolition of slavery and threatened their way of life.

Economic Opportunities:

The connection with the Confederacy was expected to have a favourable influence on border states, encouraging them to join the Confederacy as well. This would bring economic advantages and contribute to the growth of Texas.

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