the Significance of the Texan Flag Tommi Hurme

Origins of the Republic of Texas

Brief history Originally a Mexican Territory North American settlers moved in ~1820 Antonio Lopez De Santa Anna enacted constitutional reform prompting the declaration of independence in 1836

The Alamo

Annexation into the Union Texas remained an independent country until 1844 The delay resulted from mexican opposition and northern US political opposition at having to add another slave state Became the 28 th state

History of the flag Texas is known for having 6 different flags during its history These include the sovereign flag of spain, france, mexico, the republic of texas, the Southern confederacy, and the united states The republic of texas flag was and still remains to some degree a totem in texas

Flag history cont. Origin of the original flag remains unknown – mythic quality of the flag The flag was proposed and adopted by the Texas congress in 1839, almost 6 years before becoming a state The flag is significant to texans because it is the only state flag that was previously a flag for an independent nation

Myth and Ritual of the Flag Texas a microcosm of the United states After the war with mexico for independence the populace became unified under the flag President of texas given “magical powers” from the flag

Symbolic Meaning of the Flag Each color symbolizes a lesson for all texans Red for courage, white for purity and liberty, and blue for loyalty The colors are the same as the United States flag and symbolize the same ideals

Popular myths It is widely believed in texas that the texas flag is the only flag within the USA that is legally allowed to be flown on an equal height with the US flag Untrue, but the fact that many texans actually believe this myth reinforces the status of the flag

Renewal of symbolism in the flag Unlike the other states in the USA, texans feel a sense of nationalism for their own state based on its history and the bloodshed required to obtain that independence The image of the flag on so many items is a constant reminder

Texas – It’s a whole ‘nother country Texan pride is enormous Patriotism towards texas further reinforces patriotism towards the USA and its flag

Questions for discussion From the reading we see that violence holds the group together, can we ever live in a world without the need for violence to create and reinforce group unity? Nations are deferring to the use of institutions (UN, NATO) to settle disputes more and more, thus limiting the amount of violence between nations. Will this trend towards nonviolence inevitably hinder group unity? If its not violence, then what is it that unites a nation?

The End