What was the impact of the Texas Declaration of Independence?

The Texas Declaration of Independence, officially adopted on March 2, 1836, was a significant turning point in Texas history because it explicitly declared the intent of the Texan settlers to separate from Mexican rule and establish themselves as an independent republic. This declaration was a catalyst for the Texas Revolution, which had already been brewing due to rising tensions between Texan settlers and the Mexican government over issues like governance, land rights, and cultural differences.

By declaring independence, the signers not only asserted their rights as a newly formed republic but also mobilized the Texan populace to take up arms in what ultimately became a series of military engagements against the Mexican forces. The declaration was a unifying document, helping to solidify resistance among Texans and rally support for the revolutionary cause, ultimately leading to critical battles such as the Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas won decisive independence from Mexico.

In contrast, the options related to statehood, treaties with the U.S., or the Confederacy occurred at later historical points or as a result of different interventions, making them less directly aligned with the immediate implications of the Declaration itself.