CIVIL WAR. The sectional controversies that divided the North and South in the 1850s deeply troubled Texans (see ANTEBELLUM TEXAS). While most Texans had a strong attachment to the Union that they worked so hard to join in 1845, they expressed increasing concern over the attacks upon Southern institutions by Northern political leaders. Although only one Texas family in four owned slaves, most Texans opposed any interference with the institution of slavery, which they believed necessary for the continued economic growth of the state.
According to the Constitution, unalienable rights can never be taken away from the people or denied. A fine example is the Declaration of Independence, where we the people have the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.<span />
