“When a government has ceased to protect the lives, liberty, and property of the people, from whom its legitimate powers are derived, and for the advancement of whose happiness it was instituted; and so far from being a guarantee for their inestimable and inalienable rights, becomes an instrument in the hands of evil rulers for their oppression”. These were the words penned by the brave delegates of the people of Texas, who officially declared independence from Mexico on this day in 1836. To this day, Texans honor these heroes of history who serve as a model as to why our right to bear arms is paramount in preserving our freedoms.
A Brief History
Though Texas’ secession from Mexico was declared on March 2, 1836, tension had been building between the colonists and their oppressive governments since 1815. Here is a brief timeline outlining the encroachments on freedom that ultimately led to revolution.
- 1830-1832: Mexican government passes the Law of April 6, restricting settler movement, and eventually led to issues regarding “custom duties, land titles, and military authority over civilians”.
- 1832-1833: Colonists hold the Convention of 1832 and the Convention of 1833 to address the violations of freedom and petition for the maintenance of a Texan state government, but promises are never followed through.
- Early 1835: Santa Anna, president of Mexico, returns to power and instills a centralist run government. Militias, civilian based armed forces, are replaced with Santa Anna’s military powers and continues to diminish Texans’ autonomy. Several Mexican states begin to revolt against these authoritarian principles.
- September-October 1835: Colonists call for another convention to be held in October 1835, but the Mexican government instead deploys an army to San Antonio to crush opposition. Texans officially begin to form an armed resistance.
- October 1, 1835: The Battle of Gonzales takes place, where “160 Texas volunteers answered the call to arms”. The Texas Revolution begins and the Mexican army retreats, while both sides begin to increase the number of their armed forces.
- February 1836: Santa Anna sends 6,000 soldiers to San Antonio with intentions of decimating Texan defenders. The battle of the Alamo begins.
- March 1836: During the assault on the Alamo, a constitutional convention is held on March 1.
- March 2, 1836: The convention officially declares Texas as an independent state and a new constitution that intends to uphold rights to life, liberty, and freedom is prepared. The Alamo eventually falls to Santa Anna’s military shortly after this convention.
- April 21, 1836: The battle of San Jacinto takes place. The Texan army led by Sam Houston defeats Santa Anna’s forces and the treaties of Velasco are published, concluding the Texas Revolution.
Why We Celebrate These Protectors
Though faced against a government organization with more heads and more funding, the civilians of Texas still chose to fight for their people. As mentioned above, the Texas militaries relied much on volunteers, who otherwise would be simple farmers or family men, and they were only able to succeed through a combination of the pen and the sword. Today, we honor their sacrifices by upholding our right to bear arms; and thus, the right to life, liberty, and happiness.
We at Legal Heat intend to keep education on the right to bear arms thriving within our communities, preparing you to protect what matters most when the time comes. Over 400,000 students have received their concealed carry certification with us, giving them the confidence to properly and lawfully handle their concealed carry firearms.
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