Award-winning Texas historian Stephen L. Hardin provides an excellent overview of the Republic of Texas. In 1836, when Texas won its independence from Mexico, many expected the Republic of Texas to join the Union immediately. Four American presidents and a decade later, the Texas Lone Star flag was lowered and the Stars and Stripes raised. The annexation resulted in concessions to Texas not made to other states. Diary entries, letters, political speeches, and congressional resolutions give insight into this period of Texas and American history.