In thinking through other political myths,. There are several which the nation and what is presented as “American History” has been tainted. The present empire is based on these myths. It is important that people recognize that they are myths rather than facts, they will view history different.
7. The Battle of New Orleans was an important American victory. It is true that the British were defeated at New Orleans, what is mythical is the idea that it was “a pure American effort”. The ammunition was furnished by pirates, French soldiers manned many of the cannons, and men from Spanish Texas fought in the ranks. It was not the “US Army” that won that victory. Frenchmen trained in Napoleon’s army were the ones who constructed the fortification, gun emplacements and manned the key positions that day, plus it was financially underwritten by a French financier who had taken over the United States bank’s assets.
8. The Alamo was a victory for America. No it wasn’t. Those who fought at the Alamo had sworn allegience to Texas. Even David Crockett swore allegience to Texas prior to the battle. Travis and other key leaders were wanted in the United States. Those men were not fighting to expand the United States, they were fighting for Texas and its independence. Whatever John Wayne may have said about the flag, the Alamo does not belong to America, it belongs to Texas.
9. Although ‘Americana’ art presents illustrations of towns displaying the American flag as part of daily life in the United States. The reality is that in the days leading to the War Between the States, communities were required to display the flag. They were being forced to display it in their towns. It was not a spontaneous outpouring of patriotism, it was coerced. When I see those items, I often wonder if those embracing it know that the small communities who did that were being forced at bayonet point to do so.
10. Texas voted to join the Union in a ‘free’ election. This is pure myth. United States troops had been in Texas over a period of months prior to the election. The “Army of Occupation” as it was called, monitored the election and its results. Agents from the United States had bribed and manipulated those voting in matters related to the annexation. The election was anything but free.
11. Annexation was legal. The annexation of Texas was anything but legal. Although it is considered a treaty, all treaties have to be approved by the Senate. The annexation of Texas was accomplished by an act in the House. The Missouri Compromise was a measure that was sure to pass. The Congressmen attached the annexation to that act, in order to assure its passage. This was a violation of the Constitution, which thereby made it illegal. In addition, upon annexation, US troops occupied and took over New Mexico and thereby created that entity out of Texas, again in violation of the Constitution, which specifies that States are not to be created out of other.
Know the truth and it will set you free!
Liberty for Texas and the South!
J Murrah
annexation of Texas, Battle of New Orleans, Culture, Napoleon, New Mexico
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