Why did Texas not become a state immediately?

Answer 1

They did not want to be a state. Many of the people that went to Texas originally (when it was part of Mexico) had gone there to get away from the Federal Government of the US. So when they split from Mexico, they set up an independant country The Republic of Texas.

Answer 2

America fought with Mexico in order to obtain Texas. For a while Texas was just a territory not a state, at this time period the issue over slavery was being discussed and debated. The politicians probably didnt want anything to do with another territory because it would only lead to conflict between the Northern politicians and the Southern politicians. They used something called the "gag rule" which simply means dont talk about it because it is something that will case problems.

Answer 3

The Republic of Texas was a sovereign nation beginning in 1836, following the success of the 'Texas Revolution'. Texas voters then agreed to be annexed by the United States in 1846.