March 2 is an important date in American history. Many events shaped the country on this day, from Texas’ independence to landmark Supreme Court decisions. This article provides a detailed look at key moments in American history that occurred on March 2.
What Happened on March 2 in American History?
1836 – Texas Declares Independence from Mexico
One of the most significant events on March 2 was the declaration of Texas’ independence from Mexico in 1836. The Texas Revolution had begun in October 1835. Texans were unhappy with the government of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna. They believed that the Mexican government was becoming too centralized and that their rights were being taken away.
On March 2, 1836, delegates met at Washington-on-the-Brazos, a small town in Texas. They drafted and signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. The document was similar in style to the U.S. Declaration of Independence. It stated that Mexico had violated the rights of Texans and that Texas was now a free and independent republic.
The war between Texas and Mexico continued for a few months. The famous Battle of the Alamo happened shortly after the declaration. On April 21, 1836, Texas won a decisive victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, securing its independence. Texas remained an independent nation until it joined the United States in 1845.
1861 – Texas Joins the Confederacy
Exactly 25 years after declaring independence from Mexico, Texas joined the Confederate States of America on March 2, 1861. The American Civil War was about to begin, and Southern states were leaving the Union. Texas was a slave-holding state and had strong economic ties to the South. The Texas government voted to secede from the Union and join the Confederacy.
Texas Governor Sam Houston opposed secession. He believed that Texas should stay in the Union. However, he was removed from office when he refused to swear loyalty to the Confederacy. Texas went on to play an important role in the Civil War, supplying soldiers and resources to the Confederate cause.
1877 – The End of Reconstruction
On March 2, 1877, the Compromise of 1877 was reached, effectively ending the period of Reconstruction after the Civil War. The 1876 presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes (Republican) and Samuel J. Tilden (Democrat) had been extremely close. Tilden had won the popular vote, but there were disputes over electoral votes in several states.
To resolve the crisis, Congress created a special commission. The result was the Compromise of 1877. Under this deal, Hayes was awarded the presidency, but in exchange, he agreed to withdraw federal troops from the South. This ended Reconstruction, the period when the federal government had been enforcing civil rights laws in the South.
The withdrawal of federal troops allowed Southern states to pass Jim Crow laws, which restricted the rights of African Americans. This compromise had long-term consequences, as racial segregation and voter suppression became widespread in the South for many decades.
1899 – Mount Rainier National Park Established
On March 2, 1899, Mount Rainier National Park was established in Washington state. It became the fifth national park in the United States. Mount Rainier is a massive volcano that stands over 14,000 feet tall. It is covered with glaciers and is one of the most scenic places in the country.
The park was created to protect the natural beauty of the area. It also provided a place for outdoor recreation. Today, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S., attracting over a million visitors each year.
1917 – The Jones Act Grants U.S. Citizenship to Puerto Ricans
On March 2, 1917, the Jones-Shafroth Act was signed into law. This act granted U.S. citizenship to the people of Puerto Rico. The U.S. had acquired Puerto Rico from Spain in 1898 after winning the Spanish-American War. Before the Jones Act, Puerto Ricans were U.S. nationals but not citizens.
The law also created a government for Puerto Rico, with a governor and legislature. However, the U.S. retained control over important matters like trade and defense. One major reason for granting citizenship was that the U.S. entered World War I a month later, in April 1917. With citizenship, Puerto Ricans could now be drafted into the U.S. military. Thousands of Puerto Rican soldiers fought in World War I under the U.S. flag.
Today, Puerto Rico remains a U.S. territory. Its residents are U.S. citizens, but they do not have voting representation in Congress, and they cannot vote in presidential elections unless they move to one of the 50 states.
1933 – The First Woman is Appointed to the U.S. Cabinet
On March 2, 1933, Frances Perkins was nominated as Secretary of Labor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She became the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet. Perkins was a strong advocate for workers’ rights. She played a major role in shaping Roosevelt’s New Deal policies.
During her time as Secretary of Labor, Perkins helped create Social Security, the minimum wage, and laws protecting workers’ rights. She remained in office until 1945, serving as one of the longest-serving cabinet members in U.S. history.
1943 – The Battle of the Bismarck Sea
During World War II, on March 2, 1943, the Battle of the Bismarck Sea took place. This was an important naval and air battle in the Pacific. The United States and Australia attacked a Japanese convoy near New Guinea.
The Japanese were trying to send troops and supplies to the island, but American and Australian forces destroyed most of the convoy. Over 3,000 Japanese soldiers died. The battle was a turning point in the Pacific War. It prevented Japan from reinforcing its troops in New Guinea, which helped the Allies win more battles in the region.
1962 – Wilt Chamberlain Scores 100 Points in a Single NBA Game
On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain made basketball history. He scored 100 points in a single NBA game, playing for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks. This record is still the most points ever scored by a single player in an NBA game.
The game was played in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and not many fans were there. There was no television broadcast. However, Chamberlain’s performance became legendary. He made 36 field goals and 28 free throws, dominating the game like never before.
No other player has come close to breaking this record, making it one of the greatest achievements in sports history.
1983 – The Compact of Free Association is Signed
On March 2, 1983, the U.S. signed the Compact of Free Association with three Pacific nations: the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. These countries had been under U.S. control since World War II.
The agreement gave these nations independence, but the U.S. maintained certain military rights in the region. The U.S. also provided economic aid in exchange for defense cooperation. The compact remains in effect today, allowing citizens of these nations to live and work in the United States.
Conclusion
March 2 has been a historically significant day in the United States. From Texas’ independence to the end of Reconstruction, from Puerto Rican citizenship to Frances Perkins breaking barriers, these events shaped the country in many ways. Each year, March 2 serves as a reminder of the struggles, victories, and progress in American history.
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