How did the US government initially attempt to claim disputed land in Texas?

The initial effort of the U.S. government to claim disputed land in Texas involved the purchase of land from Mexico. This action is tied to the broader context of the Manifest Destiny ideology and the expansion of the United States in the 19th century. After gaining independence from Spain, Mexico had control over Texas, and as American settlers began to move into the area, tensions rose regarding land ownership and governance.

The most significant land acquisition related to Texas was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which officially ended the Mexican-American War and resulted in the U.S. purchasing a large portion of Mexican territory, including what would become Texas. This purchase not only legitimized U.S. claims but also reflected broader American ambitions to expand westward.

While other avenues such as sending settlers or conducting land surveys were activities associated with the U.S. presence in Texas, purchasing the land was the method through which the government aimed to resolve disputes with Mexico and assert control over the area. This established a legal framework for U.S. sovereignty that was recognized internationally, helping to solidify U.S. claims in Texas.