Which historical figure believed that Texas belonged to the U.S. and declared Texas free?

James Long is recognized for his belief that Texas rightfully belonged to the United States and for declaring Texas free from Spanish rule in 1819. His declaration was rooted in the notion that Texian independence was a step towards U.S. expansion, reflecting the broader sentiment of manifest destiny that characterized much of 19th-century American ideology.

Long led an expedition to Texas with the intention of establishing a republic, displaying an early example of Texan nationalism that foreshadowed later independence movements. His actions laid groundwork for various revolutionary ideas about Texas' future, contributing significantly to the discourse around sovereignty and independence that would permeate Texan history.

In contrast, other figures like Samuel Houston played significant roles in the later Texas Revolution and served as leaders in the government post-independence. David Burnett was involved in the early government of the Republic of Texas, but he did not assert ownership of Texas as part of the U.S. in the same direct manner as Long. Lorenzo de Zavala, while an important figure in the fight for Texan independence and a notable political leader, did not have the same emphasis on annexation to the United States at the same point in history. These nuances highlight why James Long stands out as the appropriate choice for