The Lone Star State declared its independence from Mexico on this day in 1836, after years of fruitless attempts to reconcile conflicts with the government of Antonio López de Santa Anna.
The decision to declare independence came as General Santa Anna besieged the Texas battalion at the Alamo. Such a step was not taken lightly, however, and came after years of struggles with the Mexican government.
The direct cause of the war occurred in 1835, when Santa Anna usurped Mexico’s 1824 constitution, which guaranteed certain rights, liberties, and privileges. Prior to this, Texans had petitioned for a redress of other grievances for years, holding conventions in 1832 and 1833.
Following the abrogation of the constitution, the conflict became inevitable. In October 1835, Texans defended the now-famous “Come and Take it” cannon against confiscation by Mexican military authorities in the Battle of Gonzales.
Other states within Mexico also fought against Santa Anna’s regime, including a failed rebellion in Zacatecas, the creation of a temporary independent state in the Yucatán, and open resistance in Monclova.
On November 7, 1835, Texas sent an explanatory declaration to the Mexican government justifying its armed resistance to the new regime. It claimed that Santa Anna “and other military chieftains, have, by force of arms, overthrown the federal institutions of Mexico.”
Therefore, “the good people of Texas, availing themselves of their natural rights … have taken up arms in defense of their rights and liberties.”
This November document added that “they hold it to be their right during the disorganization of the federal system, and the reign of despotism, to withdraw from the union, to establish an independent government … but that they will continue faithful to the Mexican government so long as that nation is governed by the constitution.”
In response, Santa Anna began marching to Texas with the Mexican military in order to quell the troublesome Texans. The siege of the Alamo began on February 23.
On March 1, while the Alamo was still standing, Texas leaders assembled at Washington-on-the-Brazos and, having concluded that no resolution with Mexico was possible, issued the Texas Declaration of Independence the following day.
“When a government has ceased to protect the lives, liberty, and property of the people … so far from being a guarantee for their inestimable and inalienable rights, becomes an instrument in the hands of evil rulers for their oppression,” the document opened.
Claiming that the “spirit of the constitution has departed,” leading to “acts of malfeasance and abduction on the part of the government,” the convention asserted “the inherent and inalienable right of the people to appeal to first principles, and take their political affairs into their own hands.”
After listing a number of grievances that were “borne by the people of Texas, until they reached that point at which forbearance ceases to be a virtue,” the document declared that “the people of Texas, do now constitute a free, sovereign, and independent republic.”
“We fearlessly and confidently commit the issue to the decision of the supreme Arbiter of the destinies of nations,” the document concluded.
Signatories included Thomas Rusk and Sam Houston. Notable Mexican statesman Lorenzo de Zavala also signed, having been forced to flee Mexico due to his disagreements with Santa Anna. Zavala had helped frame the 1824 Mexican constitution.
On March 6, the Alamo was captured by Santa Anna, and its defenders were executed. Another force of Texas who had surrendered was ordered to be massacred at Goliad by the Mexican leader on March 27.
Nevertheless, the battle for Texas independence would continue as General Sam Houston led a quickly constructed army against the military force of Santa Anna. Despite overwhelming odds and numerous disadvantages, the Texans successfully defeated and captured Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21.
Andrew Mahaleris, the press secretary for Texas Governor Greg Abbott, explained to The Dallas Express, “Nearly two centuries ago, brave Texans fought and earned their independence. Their vision of freedom and liberty lives on in the indomitable Texas spirit today.”
“As we continue to build the Texas of tomorrow, we must always remember how the sacrifices of past generations helped create a future for the next,” he concluded.