What is the segnificance of Texas decliration independence?

The Texas Declaration of Independence was a statement of the reasons why the people of Texas were declaring that they were no longer part of Mexico and were an independent nation. It was approved on March 2, 1836 and is considered to be the founding document of Texas. The declaration was in many ways similar to the United States Declaration of Independence.

Texas Independence

The declaration was not the beginning of the Texas Revolution. That war had been going on for months. When the declaration was signed only 15 miles away, the Battle of San Jacinto was being fought. This battle would result in the decisive defeat of the Mexican army, but the declaration ensured that the newly independent nation would not just be a rebellious territory, it would be its own nation.

A Strong Statement

The declaration is known for its clear and passionate language. It begins by stating "when a government has ceased to protect the lives, liberties and property of the people..." the people have a right to change that government or abolish it.

The declaration went on to list 24 grievances with the Mexican government. These grievances included the following:

- Not establishing public education

- Not giving Texas any political voice

- Not giving Texans land grants

- Sending Mexican convict laborers to Texas

The Declaration’s Legacy

This strong statement has been a source of pride for Texans throughout history. It was read in its entirety at every Texas legislature from 1836 until 1973 when the reading of the declaration was changed from every session to every even-numbered year.

The Texas Declaration of Independence is also significant because it is one of the few declarations of independence that has been successful. Most such declarations eventually fail, as the groups making the declarations are defeated by the more powerful governments against whom they are rebelling. Texas, on the other hand, emerged as a victorious, independent country.