Sam Houston was elected the first president of the Republic of Texas in 1835. His goals were to maintain peace with American Indian tribes, keep Mexico at bay, and seek annexation by the United States. He reduced the size of the unrestful Texas army and relied on the Texas Rangers for frontier defense. Houston also negotiated treaties with American Indian tribes to maintain peace and assigned land to tribes, but many Texans still viewed the tribes as obstacles.

1. Chapter 12: A New Nation Section 2: Houston’s First Term

5. Houston’s Administration Secretary of State: Stephen F. Austin Secretary of the Treasury: Henry Smith

6. Houston’s Administration Secretary of the Navy Samuel Rhodes Fisher Secretary of War Thomas J. Rusk

28. Problem Solution/Action Unruly Army Debt Lack of clear land policy Conflict with Indians