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Revolution remembered. Revolution reimagined. Revolution reborn.

Dr. Sam W. Haynes, professor at University of Texas at Arlington, brings the story of the American Revolution forward into the 19th century, revealing how its ideals echoed far beyond 1776. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this program explores how the language, memory and myth of the “Spirit of ’76” shaped the rebellion in Texas and the movement that ultimately led to independence from Mexico.

Often overlooked in discussions of the Texas Revolution is the extent to which Anglo-Texans consciously looked backward—drawing on revolutionary rhetoric, symbols, and strategies from the founding era to interpret their conflict with Mexico City. By tracing these connections, Dr. Haynes reveals how the legacy of 1776 was not just remembered, but actively repurposed—offering a powerful lens on how Americans have continually reimagined the meaning of revolution, liberty and independence across generations.