Texas in Civil War essay
Political situation in the United States in the years leading to Civil War was controversial and unstable. For a few decades the tension between Northern and Southern states grew. Southern states, from South Carolina to Texas, didn’t support the interference of Northern authorities in the institutions. Thus, only one of four families in Texas owned slaves that time, but the majority of Texans opposed any interference in this institution. After the beginning of the Civil War Texas became the main supplier for confederates. There were five major battles on the territory of Texas. Texans are still proud with the role of their state in this war.
Political situation in Texas before the civil War
Texas joined the United States of America in 1846, and the framework of its further development was defined for fifteen years. However, the development and events of this period changed the view of Texans. After the election of Abraham Lincoln as the president of the USA many Texans considered this fact as a threat to slavery. Governor Sam Houston was called to start the process of secession but he refused. However, he was forced to do this because the people of Texans were ready to begin the process without him. In early January of 1861 the representatives of Southern states adopted the ordinance of secession, and in March of 1861 they united the Southern states into the Confederate States of America. New authorities associated the Federal property to the Confederacy, including military equipment. It is worth mentioning that approximately 25% of Texans opposed the Confederacy, but the most active oppositionists were forced to leave for Mexico or killed.
Texas as a main supplier for Confederates
The number of Texans who served in the army of Confederation varies from 70,000 to 90,000 dependently on source. More than 25,000 of them joined the Confederate army till the end of 1861. In 1982 every man from 18 to 45 has been ordered to be placed on service. Military stores near former Alamo mission added 10,000 riffles to the Confederates. Texas furnished 30 batteries of light artillery, five regiment of heavy artillery, 12 battalions of cavalry, four battalions of infantry, and almost 70 other regiments for Confederacy. Some additional regiments were maintained for home defense. General Robert E. Lee favored Texans, praised their fighting qualities and their proud for native state.
Some Texans also served on the side of Union, but their number was not so significant, approximately 2,000.
Major battles
The first battle of Galveston (1862) was won by the Union and led to the blockade of important trade port. The second battle of Galvenston (1863) was won by Confederation. Several ships, gunboats and regiments of land troops were involved. The island was captured to Confederates and they controlled it till the end of the war. However, because of the Union blockade the trade was limited.
The final major conflict for the entire Civil War and for Texas took place at Palmetto Hill in 1865. The fire across the Rio Grande River, which was the natural border between the union troops and the army of Confederates, stopped in March after a cease-fire agreement. Ironically, the final battle of this war was won by Confederates.
Conclusion
Texas and Texans played the leading role in Confederacy during the Civil War in the United States. Initially Texas was man and infantry supplier for Confederates, later some important battles took place in Texas. After the War the new age in the development of the state began.
