Students brainstorm tasks facing Sam Houston and the Texas government in order to build the new nation. Then they learn about some of the problems facing the Republic and predict how these issues affected the stability of the new nation. Next students learn some basic economic concepts in order to understand the Republic’s debt; you may choose to skip this scene. Finally, students read two stories about Sam Houston and write a question that they would like to ask him.
Students read an introduction explaining that although Texas had won independence, Sam Houston and the new government still faced serious challenges in building a strong nation. Students then respond to a word cloud prompt by suggesting, in one or a few words, key tasks the Texas government needed to complete to create a strong Republic of Texas.
Teacher MovesPreview the lesson focus on Sam Houston’s presidencies and the Republic’s economic problems, introduce key vocabulary as needed, and, after students submit word cloud responses, highlight sample tasks (such as creating a banking system, national army, trade, laws, and courts) to frame the work of a new government.
Students examine an image of Texas currency (the redback) and consider why it might have that name. They read a narrative about Sam Houston’s elections, the structure of the Republic’s government, and the major problems facing the new nation, including relations with American Indians, threats from Mexico, an out-of-control army, and serious economic troubles such as debt and inflation. Using a graphic organizer, students select three problems facing the Republic and predict how each might have affected the development and stability of the new nation.
Teacher MovesClarify key ideas in the reading, including annexation, “breakaway” state, and inflation, and connect Houston’s goals to the problems described. Emphasize that students are making predictions in the organizer, then invite volunteers to share and explain their reasoning, using sample cause-and-effect ideas (for example, how conflict with American Indians, Mexican threats, army behavior, debates over U.S. statehood, and debt could shape Texas’s security and economy).
Students read explanatory text about why the Republic of Texas had a weak economy and large national debt, including the need for government revenue, the difference between income and expenditures, the idea of a balanced budget, and the impact of tariffs and dependence on imports. They then read about how printing too much currency (redbacks) led to inflation and further debt. Students post a response explaining why the Republic of Texas had a large national debt.
Teacher MovesRead or review the economic explanation with students, clarifying terms such as revenue, expenditures, balanced budget, debt, currency, and inflation. Optionally project and discuss the video What Determines the Value of Our Money? to reinforce how money supply affects value. Prompt students to synthesize reasons for Texas’s debt in their written responses and, if appropriate, highlight that high defense costs, limited resources, reliance on imports, and overprinting currency all contributed to the problem.
Students read two short biographical stories about Sam Houston—one describing his time living with the Cherokee, his Cherokee name “Black Raven,” and his wearing of Cherokee clothing, and another describing his conflict with Congressman William Stanbery and the resulting court case and fine. Working in a shared table, students write one question they would want to ask Sam Houston if they could meet him.
Teacher MovesSupport students in connecting the stories to Houston’s personality, experiences with American Indians, and political life. If time permits, review selected student questions, prompting the class to consider how Houston might answer them based on what they have learned about his character and actions.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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