What challenges did Texas face after becoming a state?

After Texas became a state in 1845, it encountered several significant challenges that shaped its early years in the Union. One of the primary issues was border disputes, particularly with Mexico, as Texas' annexation rekindled tensions stemming from the Texas Revolution and the subsequent claim disputes. This culminated in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), which further complicated Texas' position and led to a redefinition of its boundaries.

Additionally, Texas had to navigate the complexities of economic adjustment. The transition from a republic to a state required significant changes in governance, taxation, and infrastructure development. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, was the backbone of Texas' economy, and the state worked to foster these economic systems while also addressing the challenges of transitioning to a state economy after years of independence.

Relations with Native Americans presented another area of difficulty. The expansion of Anglo settlers into Texas territories led to conflicts with various Native American tribes, which often resisted encroachments on their lands. This dynamic created a need for policies to manage relationships with these tribes while balancing the increasing demand for land from new settlers.

The other options do not accurately reflect the historical context of Texas' immediate post-statehood challenges. Population growth and economic prosperity were not characteristics of the initial