What was a significant political consequence of the annexation of Texas?

The annexation of Texas in 1845 had far-reaching political implications, particularly regarding the ongoing national debate over slavery. At that time, Texas was a slave state, and its admission to the Union intensified sectional conflicts between the North and South. The expansion of slavery into new territories became a violent and contentious issue, leading to increased tensions that contributed to the American Civil War.

As Texas was added as a slave state, it prompted discussions around the balance of power in Congress between free and slave states, escalating fears in the North about the extension of slavery. This shift was a pivotal moment, exacerbating polarization between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions within the United States. The resulting debates and conflicts would lay the groundwork for future legislation, such as the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, which sought to address the growing discord over slavery and admission of new states.

The other options do not capture the significant political ramifications of the annexation. For example, the decline in agriculture, admission of Texas as a free state, and enhanced relations with Mexico were not relevant outcomes of the annexation process in the context of U.S. history, particularly regarding the issue of slavery. Hence, the correct answer underscores the increased tensions over