Joel H. Silbey's Storm Over Texas

In the book Storm Over Texas, by Joel H. Silbey the critical controversy of North vs. South is displayed. The book goes into great detail of the wild moments leading into the Civil War, the political dysfunction that ran throughout Texas, and many reasons the American Civil War sparked up in the first place. This book truly captives great Texas history and has valid information and points of our states different point of views on history.
Political differences are a main subject throughout this entire book. “The political temperature had certainly been raised along sectional fault lines.” (Silbey 128) The different views on how political issues should be handle was what ended up hurting our state the most. There was more argument over how to deal with issues, rather than actually finding a solution to the problem. Silbey does an outstanding job explaining the how the Wilmot Proviso

came to be and its many challenges. The Wilmot Proviso and its many uncertainties was the main cause of tension and separation to the state. The uncertainty over territories, organization of bills, and many debatable perspectives caused an outrageous outcome to Texas’s overall unity. Silbey makes it clear that the Wilmot Proviso was a main cause leading to the American Civil War. “No acceptable formula could be found to deal with the place of slavery in this area.” (Silbey 128) Silbey’s straightforward information and remarks allow you to learn a lot about the Wilmot Proviso and give a greater understanding of how it sparked an everlasting feud.
Slavery is another hot topic throughout Silbey’s book. The issue of expansion of slavery was what ultimately destroyed Texas. The North vs. South was a political argument that seemed impossible to solve. Silbey uses a good amount of anti-slavery representatives, as well as pro-slavery supporters which give you a bundle of different information from both parties. “There continued to be, at the same time, resistance to allowing such sectional pressures to sweep away old guidelines…” (Silbey 173) This quote further shows how sectional pressures and intensity between the North vs. South continued to fire up. The south believed in slavery and labor and the North believed in morals and human rights. Silbey does a superior job of explaining the Souths aggressive spirits and the Norths overwhelming morals.
The Annexation of Texas is one of many topics that Silbey exceptionally over views.

James K. Polk was one of many that felt extremely strong about Texas joining the Union. Silbey uses direct quotes from politicians gives a deeper outlook into Texas annexation. “That there is a large majority who would be glad to see Texas, in some way or another, united to this country, there can be no doubt.” (Silbey 81) Shortly after this widespread idea of Texas joining the country Congress was overwhelmed with bills to make Texas’s entry accomplished.
Overall, I think Joel H. Silbey did an outstanding job explaining Texas’s issues, accomplishments, and many challenges. He used direct quotes from politicians, useful information, and made valid points. I think his qualifications were on the right track and he does very detailed writing. Storm Over Texas was an overall success. I can put together that Silbey’s main intent was to inform and show the true hardships Texas had to endure to come to its strong unity today. It personally taught me many new things and stories from Texas’s past and

culture.