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'''Texas''', a territory of Mexico from 1821-1835 1821–1835 and the '''Republic of Texas''' from 1836–1845, became the 28th state to join the union on December 29, 1845—this 1845. This state has the largest [[conservative]] state in population, and is predicted to surpass [[California]] in population within a few decades. Texas is the second largest in population after [[California]] and has the second largest land-area after [[Alaska]]. It has the largest land-area in the continental [[USUnited States]]. Before its admission, it was its own [[Republic of Texas|country]], having gained [[Texas War of Independence|gained independence]] from [[Mexico]].

The capital of Texas is [[Austin]], and the largest city is [[Houston]]. Texas was a solidly [[Democratic Party|Democrat]]ic state from about 1900 to the end of [[Reconstruction]] in the early 1870s until the 1970s, then when [[RepublicanParty]]s started gradually took taking control and now dominate , until it dominated the political atmosphere of the state. Nevertheless, Democrats dominate the largest cities of Houston, [[San Antonio]], Austin, [[Dallas]], and El Paso are heavily Democrat. Houston in a non-partisan election chose a [[liberalEl Paso]] Democrat as mayor on December 5, 2015along with the counties along the Mexican border.

Up until the 1980s Texas had a booming [[oil ]] industry, starting with the Spindletop oil gusher. For many years Texas was one of the largest oil producers in the world, with the West of Texas oilfields famous around the globe. Currently, Texas is shifting from the oil industry to the service sector. It has a growing tech industry and is home to many well-known corporations such as [[Dell]], [[Texas Instruments]] and [[Hewlett Packard]]. The North Texas area also has a large concentration of defense contractors: Bell Helicopter, Lockheed Martin, L3 Technologies, and Raytheon all have a large presence in the area.

CurrentlyThe state Constitution of Texas, Texas is shifting from like all of the oil industry to other 50 states, acknowledges God or our Creator or the service sector''Sovereign Ruler of the Universe''. It has a growing tech industry and is home to many well-known corporations such as [[Dell]], [[Texas Instruments]] and [[Hewlett Packard]].says: The current governor :''Humbly invoking the blessings of Texas is Republican [[Greg Abbott]]. ==Several Texas Cities Rank Among Almighty God, the Most Conservative American Cities==The most conservative Texas cities among people of the [[most conservative American cities]] are #2 [[Lubbock, State of Texas|Lubbock]], #3 Abilene, #5 [[Plano]], do ordain and #14 [[Arlington, Texas|Arlington]]establish this Constitution.<ref>[http://americancityandcounty.com/content/study-ranks-americas-most-liberal-and-conservative-cities 2005 study rankings on liberal and conservative cities]. Posted Oct 27, 2014. Accessed March 18, 2015</ref>''

:{{main|History of Texas}}

===Spain: 1519-18211519–1821===

===France: 1685-16901685–1690===

:''March 2, 1836 - – December 29, 1845'' 

Texas leaders gathered at [[Washington-on-the-Brazos]] to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. Four days later the [[Alamo]] fell after a 13 -day siege by Mexican troops led by [[Antonio López de Santa Anna|Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna]]. The massacre of all the defenders gave rise to the rallying call "Remember the Alamo". Santa Anna's Mexican troops were defeated on April 21 at the Battle of [[San Jacinto]] near present-day Houston. Mexico, however, refused to recognize the independence and when Texas joined the U.S. in 1845, the [[Mexican American War]] became inevitable.

Texas was a favorite destination of German immigrants in the 140s 1840s and 1850s. The state grew rapdily rapidly because of cattle herds and cotton farming; there were few cities.

Texas joined the Confederacy ''[[Confederate States of America]] on March 2, 1861-, and remained firmly in it until March 15, 1865''. The coast was blockaded, and after the fall of Vicksburg in 1863 , it became almost impossible to send men, horses or cattle to the east. Texas became a backwater with little military action.

:''December 29, 1845-March 1845–March 2, 1861 and March 15, 1865-present1865–present''.

Texas' [[Reconstruction]] experience was similar to other rebel states. Texas was hardly damaged by the war, and attracted a large number of immigrants from the deep South after 1865, while few Europeans arrived. Cotton and cattle continued as the dominant economic base, with [[Cattle Drivescattle drives]] used to move the cattle to railheads in Kansas and Missouri before the railroads reached Texas. Beginning around the mid-20th century, Texas began to transform from a rural and agricultural state to one that was urban and industrialized.<ref name="TSHAsince">{{cite web | last1=Calvert | first1= Robert A. | title=Texas Since World War II | url=https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/npt02 | publisher=[[Texas State Historical Association]] | accessdate=January 19, 2017}}</ref> The state's population grew quickly during this period, with large levels of migration from outside the state.<ref name="TSHAsince"/> As a part of the [[Sun Belt]] Texas experienced strong economic growth, particularly during the 1970s and early 1980s.<ref name="TSHAsince"/> Texas's economy diversified, lessening its reliance on the [[petroleum]] industry.<ref name="TSHAsince"/> By 1990, [[Hispanics]] overtook blacks to become the largest minority group in the state.<ref name="TSHAsince"/>

Texas is a mostly conservative state. It has consistently voted [[Republican]] in presidential elections since 1980, last favoring the [[Democrats]] in 1976 when [[Jimmy Carter]] won the state. In 2012 Romney received 4.56 million votes, compared to Obama's 3.31 million.<ref>http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/historical/presidential.shtml</ref> CurrentlyAs of 2016, the Texas Senate has 19 20 Republicans and twelve 11 Democrats, and the State House consists of 101 99 Republicans and 49 , 50 Democrats, and one independent. Republicans also have a 2325-9 11 edge in the federal House delegation. Historically, Texas was a [[Democratic Party (USA)|Democratic Party]] stronghold.<ref name="TSHA">[https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/wap02 Political Parties - Handbook of Texas Online]. ''Texas State Historical Association''. Retrieved August 16, 2016.</ref> This was the case until the 1960s, and was especially the case in the early 20th Century.<ref name="TSHA"/> Due to the Dominance of the Democrats, the Democrat primaries were considered "the real election", during this time.<ref name="TSHA"/> In the party however, there were competing factions, and during the [[New Deal]], a conservative-liberal divide within the Democratic Party emerged.<ref name="TSHA"/> As the Democratic Party became more liberal (in a conservative state), and as different changes occurred in the state, conservative voters switched to the growing,more conservative Republican Party,<ref>Sirois, Francis (November 8, 2016). [http://www.newschannel10.com/story/33661247/history-of-texas-voters History of Texas voters]. ''KFDA''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> until it took the Democrats place as the dominant party in Texas.<ref name="TSHA"/><ref>[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/architect/texas/realignment.html How Texas Became a "Red" State - Frontline]. ''PBS''. April 12, 2005. Retrieved August 16, 2016.</ref> However, Democrats maintain liberal strongholds in Austin (the state capital), most of the large cities, and along the Texas-Mexico border.

Historically, In the 2014 Texas was a elections, the [[Democratic Tea Party (USA)|Democratic Movement]] made large gains, with numerous Tea Partyfavorites being elected into office, like [[Dan Patrick]] stronghold.as lieutenant governor,<ref name="TSHAHoldssway">[https{{cite news | last1=Fernandez | first1=Manny | title=Lieutenant Governor Loses Texas Runoff as Tea Party Holds Sway | url=http://tshaonlinewww.orgnytimes.com/handbook2014/online05/28/us/politics/tea-party-favorite-beats-lieutenant-governor-in-texas.html | date=May 27, 2014 | publisher=[[The New York Times]] | accessdate=April 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>Koppel, Nathan (January 21, 2015) - [http://www.wsj.com/articles/wap02 Political Parties texas- Handbook of lt-gov-dan-patrick-moves-quickly-to-advance-conservative-agenda-1421883867 "Texas OnlineLt. Gov. Dan Patrick Moves Quickly to Advance Conservative Agenda"]. ''Texas State Historical AssociationThe Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved August 16April 2, 20162015.</ref> This was the case until the 1960s[[Ken Paxton]] as attorney general, and was especially the case in the early 20th Century.<ref name="TSHAHoldssway"/> Due to the Dominance of the Democrats, the Democratic primaries were considered "the real election", during this time.<ref name="TSHAGrissom"/> In the Grissom, Brandi. [http://www.texastribune.org/2014/05/28/tea-party however-conservatives-win-top-gop-runoff-contest/ Tea Party Conservatives Win Top GOP Runoff Contests], there were competing factions, and during the ''[[New DealTexas Tribune]]'', a conservative-liberal divide within the Democratic Party emergedMay 28, 2014. Retrieved April 2, 2015.</ref> in addition to numerous other candidates<ref name="TSHAGrissom"/> As the Democratic Party became more liberal (in a including conservative state), and as different changes occurred in the state, the Republican Party grew, until it took the Democrats place [[Greg Abbott]] as the dominant party in Texasgovernor.<ref name="TSHA"/><ref>Fernandez, Manny (January 20, 2015). [http://www.pbsnytimes.orgcom/wgbh2015/pages01/frontline21/showsus/architectpolitics/new-texas/realignment-governor-greg-abbott-expected-to-continue-on-perrys-path.html How Texas Became a "Red" State - Frontline?_r=1 Texas’ New Governor Echoes the Plans of Perry]. ''PBSThe New York Times''. April 12, 2005. Retrieved August 16October 1, 2016.</ref>

In ===Several Texas Cities Rank Among the 2014 elections in Most Conservative American Cities===The most conservative Texas, cities among the [[Tea Party Movementmost conservative American cities]] made large gains, with numerous Tea Party favorites being elected into office, like are #2 [[Dan Patrick (politician)|Dan PatrickLubbock]] as Lieutenant Governor,<ref name="Holdssway">{{cite news | last1=Fernandez | first1=Manny | title=Lieutenant Governor Loses Texas Runoff as Tea Party Holds Sway | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/28/us/politics/tea-party-favorite-beats-lieutenant-governor-in-texas.html | date=May 27#3 Abilene, 2014 | publisher=#5 [[The New York TimesPlano]] | accessdate=April 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>Koppeland #14 [[Arlington, Nathan (January 21, 2015) - [http://www.wsj.com/articles/texas-lt-gov-dan-patrick-moves-quickly-to-advance-conservative-agenda-1421883867 "Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Moves Quickly to Advance Conservative Agenda"|Arlington]]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved April 2, 2015.</ref> [[Ken Paxton]] as Attorney General,<ref name="Holdssway"/><ref name="Grissom">Grissom, Brandi. [http://wwwamericancityandcounty.texastribune.org/2014/05com/28content/teastudy-partyranks-conservativesamericas-winmost-topliberal-gopand-runoffconservative-contest/ Tea Party Conservatives Win Top GOP Runoff Contestscities 2005 study rankings on liberal and conservative cities], ''[[Texas Tribune]]'', May 28. Posted Oct 27, 2014. Retrieved April 2 Accessed March 18, 2015.</ref> in addition to numerous other candidates.<ref name="Grissom"/>

*Rep. [[Ruben HinojosaVincente Gonzales]] [D, TX-15]

*Rep. [[Randy NeugebauerJodey Arrington]] [R, TX-19]

*Rep. [[Blake FarentholdMichael Cloud]] [R, TX-27]

Texas’s total petroleum consumption is the highest in the Nation, and the State leads the country in consumption of asphalt and road oil, distillate fuel oil, jet fuel, liquefied petroleum gases (LPG), and lubricants. Texas LPG use is greater than the LPG consumption of all other States combined, due primarily to the State’s active petrochemical industry, which is the largest in the United States. Four separate motor gasoline blends are required in Texas to meet the diverse air quality needs of different parts the State, including reformulated motor gasoline blended with ethanol required in the metropolitan areas of Houston and Dallas-Forth Fort Worth. The agriculture-rich Texas Panhandle has several corn- and milo-based ethanol plants that are operational or under construction.

Even today , Texas is considered in the forefront of education in the country as the [[No Child Left Behind Act|No Child Left Behind( NCLB) Act]] is being was implemented. The administration of George W. Bush used Texas as a model for many of the reforms in the NCLB Act because of his previous experiences as governor of Texas.

Texas ranks:<ref>see Carol Keeton Strayhorn, Texas State ComprollerComptroller, "Major Challenges Facing Texas Education Today" at [http://www.window.state.tx.us/comptrol/wwstand/wws0512ed/]</ref>

* #6 in the nation in student growth. The general student population in Texas public schools grew by 11.1% between school years 1999 and 2005, with the largest percent percentage of growth seen among low income and minority children.

The University of Texas System and the Texas A&M System are two of the largest higher education systems in the nation, with numerous branch campuses. The [[The University of Texas at Austin]] is the largest institution in the UT System, while Texas A&M is the flagship of the rival system. Thanks to ownership of oil fields, their endowments in 2006 reached $13.2 billion and $5.6 billion. The best endowed private schools were Rice University in Houston with $4.0 billion, Southern Methodist University in Dallas ($1.1 billion); Baylor College of Medicine ($1.0 billion), and Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth ($1.0 billion).

The state of Texas is home of to many notable institutions of higher learning.

*[[Ted NugentGeorge Jones]], controversial conservative musiciandeceased country, lives near Crawford.rock, and gospel singer

*[[Stevie Ray VaughnLance Armstrong]], musician.*who held the record for most consecutive [[Claudia Johnson "Lady Bird Johnson"Tour de France]]victories before being stripped of his titles, Born December 22, 1912. Lady Bird Johnson was the wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson. She is also known for her involvement born in improving the physical conditions along the nations highwaysPlano.*Steve Austin[[Alex Jones]], professional wrestler better known as Stone Cold Steve Austin*Michael Hickenbotton, professional wrestler better known as Shawn Michaels*Mark Calaway, professional wrestler known as The Undertaker*Mark Henry, weightlifter [[libertarian]] and professional wrestler[[paleoconservative]] commentator

* Campbell, Randolph B. ''Gone to Texas: a History of the Lone Star State'' (Oxford University Press, 2003, 500 pages), standard scholarly survey [http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Texas-History-Lone-State/dp/0195138430/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190683778&sr=8-3 excerpt and text search]; also [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=103945805 complete online edition]