Date

4-18-2025

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)

Chair

Vance R. Kincade

Keywords

Sam Houston, Senate, Texas, Oregon, Mexico, Compromise of 1850, Kansas-Nebraska Act, ideology, westward expansion, slavery, territorial expansion, Democrats, Whigs, secession, Cherokee

Disciplines

History

Abstract

Sam Houston had a long and distinguished career in public service, gaining the most notoriety as General of the Texas Army and President of the Republic of Texas. However, he served in the United States Senate longer than any other position he held. This dissertation examines the impact of his life events and political ideology on the decisions and actions he undertook as a Senator, culminating in the proposal of a new ideology called “Houston Nationalism.” This belief system was based on three principles; nationalism, engagement, and recognition, which are defined throughout the study. Nationalism represents Houston’s support for the United States, recognition highlights Native American causes, and engagement highlights Houston’s oratory skills and willingness to engage colleagues according to his beliefs. Houston’s senatorial career occurred when the United States was confronted with challenges like territorial expansion, war with Mexico, Native American relations, and sectionalism. To address these core issues, the dissertation examined how “Houston Nationalism” applied to the Senate’s four primary issues during his tenure; the acquisition and territorial organization of Oregon, the Mexican American War, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854.

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