Chapter 8 Summary and Analysis

Houston continued to work toward annexation with the United States. He played a wise game of politics, taking advantage of the enmity between the United States and Great Britain. Towards the United States, he showed a friendliness towards Great Britain and vice-versa, making each country want to snatch up Texas so that the other country could not. Houston was so successful in making himself appear friendly to Great Britain that old friend Andrew Jackson wrote him to question his pro-British sentiment. However, Houston was hoping to join the United States.

Still, the United States under the Tyler administration was not yet willing to annex Texas, viewing it as risky politically, although a new secretary of state, Abel Upshur, seemed willing. As with his strategy before San Jacinto, Houston played his hand close to the vest, remaining cautious and noncommittal. Houston continued...