Republic of Texas Paper Money
State Archives Division--Texas State Library

Ironically, Lamar's ambitions to thrust Texas onto the world stage actually hastened annexation. His policies drove the country deep into debt until, by the end of his term, Texas currency traded at appalling discounts from the American dollar-sometimes over ninety per cent. The financial stability of the United States made annexation attractive even to Texans who once shared Lamar's dreams of empire.

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