In 1836, Texas, populated with a lot of immigrants from the USA, became independent from Mexico. Texas petitioned immediately to join the USA, but this was turned down by the US on the 25 of August 1837. The refusal was due to the Free States' opposition to further extension of slave territory.

In 1842, Americans suspected Britain of intriguing with Texas against US influence west of the Mississippi. Many Americans began to see the commercial value of annexing Texas. After a vote in 1845, with 120 yeas and 98 nays (5 not voting), Texas was offered to join the Union.

What would have happened, had the vote not been in favour of annexation? There could have been a war against Mexico in 1848 anyway, the USA wanted to annex California, but there would have been no reason to conquer the area between the Nueces and the Rio Grande, which was disputed between Texas and Mexico. Would Texas have been an ally of the USA in order to annex this territory?

What would have been different in the War Between the States, if Texas would have been independent since 1836? Would Texas have joined the war?

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[U]President Josiah Bartlet:[/U] Sweden has a 100% literacy rate. 100%! How do they do that?
[U]Leo McGarry:[/U] Maybe they don't and they can't add.