The Battle of Athens Tenn 1946

This iz one of those moveez that you don't see all the time and is very hard to find. Although a movie the was an true account dated back in 1946. The event is sometimes cited by firearms ownership advocates as an example of the value of the Second Amendment in combating tyranny.
The primary election was held on August 1. To intimidate voters, Mansfield brought in some 200 armed "deputies." GI poll-watchers were beaten almost at once. At about 3 p.m., Tom Gillespie, an African- American voter was told by a sheriff's deputy that he could not vote. Despite being beaten, Gillespie persisted. The enraged deputy shot him. The gunshot drew a crowd. Rumors spread that Gillespie had been shot in the back; he later recovered. Other deputies detained ex-GI poll-watchers in a polling place, as that made the ballot counting "public." A crowd gathered. Sheriff Mansfield told his deputies to disperse the crowd. When the two ex-GIs smashed a big window and escaped, the crowd surged forward. The deputies, with guns drawn, formed a tight half-circle around the front of the polling place. One deputy, "his gun raised high...shouted: 'If you sons of bitches cross this street I'll kill you!'"
Mansfield took the ballot boxes to the jail for counting. The deputies seemed to fear immediate attack by the "people who had just liberated Europe and the South Pacific from two of the most powerful war machines in human history"
Short of firearms and ammunition, the GIs scoured the county to find them. By borrowing keys to the National Guard and State Guard armories, they got three M1 Garand rifles, five .45 semi-automatic pistols and 24 British Enfield rifles. The armories were nearly empty after the war's end. By 8 p.m. a group of GIs and "local boys" headed for the jail but left the back door unguarded to give the jail's defenders an easy way out.
Three GIs alerting passersby to danger were fired on from the jail. Two GIs were wounded. Other GIs returned fire.
Firing subsided after 30 minutes; ammunition ran low and night had fallen. Thick brick walls shielded those inside the jail. Absent radios, the GIs' rifle fire was uncoordinated. "From the hillside fire rose and fell in disorganized cascades. More than anything else, people were simply shooting at the jail"
Several who ventured into the street in front of the jail were wounded. One man inside the jail was badly hurt; he recovered. Most sheriff's deputies wanted to hunker down and await rescue. Governor McCord mobilized the State Guard, perhaps to scare the GIs into withdrawing. The State Guard never went to Athens. McCord may have feared that Guard units filled with ex-GIs might not fire on other ex-GIs.
At about 2 a.m. on August 2, the GIs forced the issue. Men from Meigs County threw dynamite sticks and damaged the jail's porch. The panicked deputies surrendered. GIs quickly secured the building. Paul Cantrell faded into the night, having almost been shot by a GI who knew him, but whose .45 pistol had jammed. Mansfield's deputies were kept overnight in jail for their own safety. Calm soon returned. The GIs posted guards. The rifles borrowed from the armory were cleaned and returned before sunup.

[@Dakarn]

The thing I find most hilarious about this event is simply that after they had secured their liberty, they cleaned the weapons they got from the armory and had them back like they were never missing by morning. That's simply astounding, and a testament to the honor and discipline of the "Greatest Generation."

[@jamiemezs9891]

And we honor them this November.

[@donnaldostrom]

Military training sticks like that. Weapons properly cleaned and secured after the mission is complete.

[@barrettson1028]

“When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty” - Thomas Jefferson

[@waroftherebellion.]

Jefferson was also a child rapist nearly his whole life. It's like throwing a epstein quote at us as a good guy. Doesn't really work that well anymore.

[@-Miguelzim-]

Based

[@bbrown5481]

My grandfather William Elmer Brown was there. I heard this story every year at our 4th of July family reunion In Riceville at the Tom Walker farm, his uncle. He fought for the 4th Army in Europe and then there after he returned home. God bless the G.I. s and our 2nd Amendment.

[@meathead6155]

G.I.

[@JR-yj8ig]

RonSafreed it’s not too late you know.

[@SpeedDeamon95]

I'm surprised there wasn't more incidents like this 😁

[@RomanvonUngernSternbergnrmfvus]

@@SpeedDeamon95 go look up the coal wars and Shays' Rebellion

[@jamiemezs9891]

@@RomanvonUngernSternbergnrmfvus It's part of American history and culture to fight apresser.

[@Rainbowsixoperator1]

And you wonder why they don't teach this in grade school history....

[@meathead6155]

One of the most censored history in America.

[@analogpixel]

Oh yeah it's an anti-gun thing, despite having plenty of gun loving leaders since then. Did you ever think they don't teach this because you have hundreds of years of slavery and civil wars to cover? A little shootout doesn't exactly cut it, you don't teach your kids that you dropped an atomic bomb on your own country do you?

[@blazingangel5463]

analogpixel Nope, we actually did teach them that we dropped it on Japan

[@leewelter4965]

@@analogpixel Here's the Democratic Socialist agenda that indoctrinates K-12 government schools: www.wnd.com/2013/05/democratic-socialists-long-march/

[@SilverGem1]

I grew up in East Tennessee, and this is the first time I've ever heard of this...wow.

[@TwentytenS4B8]

A perfect example of The Second Amendment used the way it was intended to be.

[@gumilangputraandiwaluya987]

Exactly

[@patrickdecambra2219]

Exactly

[@user-ef7jg1ir5q]

Absolutely.

[@everettstewart7844]

Amen

[@mrcthulhu47themad45]

Indeed and if were being honest they missed shots on purpose no way vet fresh from ww2 not hiting what they aimed for.

[@Blastfence1]

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. 27 words worth fighting for don't ever give up the Second Amendment...

[@nicholaslandholdt5250]

My weekly talk radio show “Christian Revolt Long Overdue” needs sponsors as we look to mobilize 1,000,000 veterans and patriots for a Memorial Day March on State capitols in 2020. This is a necessary action for liberty….but ORGANIZED ACTION. Contact me for details.

[@philjohnson4607]

@@nicholaslandholdt5250 well about that, I’m down to join any patriotic militia. I’m from MO.

[@nicholaslandholdt5250]

My focus is the first "Thirteen Words". Q: Why do gun lobby groups like the NRA and GOA ignore the issue of State Militia? Christian patriots want an answer and WTPP is going to give it to them.

[@TheGleasonMan87]

HOLY COW! I just learned my family was involved in this. Someone worked in office for the county and my grandfather himself ran a ballot box up to the jailhouse before all the commotion, and only a month after getting married after returning from Europe!! Still has his beautiful land near Athens.

[@1775Dreamer]

The man who was shot that sparked the Battle of Athens was actually Tom Gillespie, an elderly black farmer, who was unarmed. He was shot because he was black and trying to vote...

[@uncletaylorify]

The deputy who shot him got 1-3 years in jail. Not enough mind you but considering the time frame and where that was a big shock.

[@ufofireninja99]

thats not the full truth, yes that was the man who was shot, but it wasn't fully racial, it was mainly because he was a WWII GI like the other men and was a known supporter of the GI ticket

[@garthsimanson8732]

I used to live on a road called Gillespie lane. I wonder if theres any relation.

[@forsaken22]

@@uncletaylorify well he got the s*** kicked out of him

[@imperialbricks1977]

DemoKKKrats sure don't like black people voting for non-DemoKKKrats.

[@nebraskapatriot01]

And the American Militias will rise against tyranny weather Federal, or local. Americans! you are the Militia!

[@TheTarbender1]

nebraskapatriot01 I believe President Jefferson wrote the Second Amendment just in case somebody like Stalin or Hitler ever get any ideas about taking power in America.

[@wattsgood]

THIS is why we have a 2nd amendment

[@wattsgood]

AND why we need paper ballots in locked boxes!

[@bobbaisden1685]

AND Voter ID

[@TheZodiacz]

It's called "An American Story" (1992), although based on the Battle of Athens,Tennessee in 1946, this tv movie is set in a 1945 Texas town. Would be good to see an accurate retelling of the actual events.

[@Piper43078]

I bought a ruger mini 14 after this movie.

[@kennethtaylor9759]

Hell yeah

[@umberct]

I prefer the mini 14 over the AR-15.

[@theguitarprogresschannel1907]

@Jason H hell yeah

[@clintg3435]

The mini14 is a smooth weapon. Like the stainless barrel on wooden stock

[@DeadRatStew]

@@umberctI don’t mind the mini 14 but on your opinions, why do you consider it over the ar15, as an ar15 owner myself I love the ability to have attachments and customizability, I put a holographic sight with a magnifier on it bc I feel like using iron sights limits the capabilities of 5.56 and .223, in terms of range, so with this sight I can use close quarters or if I need longer range I can flip the magnifier. I will say I do love the m14 style of the mini 14, something about the classic wood work of older guns hit the right spot

[@Mega1982Rob]

My 1st ancestor came here seeking freedom in 1622...I am the 12th generation of my family to bear arms in defense of that freedom. I read of this incident, where veterans defended the ballot box with the bullet box, many years ago. It should ever be so.

[@moonglow482004]

What is right and good must be upheld.

[@Tomgunner45]

Too bad this true story is not taught in public school systems.

[@AmericanGal_69]

It def should be though.

[@summerrose299]

Good old Athens Tennessee! My home town.

[@americanpatriot3344]

This is 1 big reason & there are others too, as to why the government/cops fear combat veteran's. I also have a full accounting, quote on quote, in an interview given by the Marine combat vet who led this rebellion from 2001-2002 time-frame. It was before he died. He became a deputy for that county after this for over 10 years too.

[@michaelmclaughlin261]

Hello and greetings from November 5, 2020! A reminder of what we have lost in America.

[@thechariotvii9259]

I was never taught about this in school.

[@goose1077]

When it lands and AK could do a lot against a drone like that by giving the militia access to it to destroy it. A Barret .50 bmg could take one out of the sky if it flies low enough. An AK could also be used to steal anti-aircraft artillery/ rockets. There are 100 million gun owners. If 2% of them rose up, they would outnumber the military and much of the military is overseas, desk jockies, and supply personnel. I'm not endorsing it, just saying that it is possible.

[@TheInfantry98]

Nope since most gun owners are overweight cowards

[@RameyRocks]

Yep DC needs to rewatch what went down in my town!

[@daviddice2327]

Why did I not hear about this in school? Maybe I was not "Politically correct " back then also?

[@RonSafreed]

I recently found out about this & I am 61 !!!! This incident should have been in every American history book of the last 70 years in addition to "Rosa Parks" & everyone knows her story but not Athens Tennessee 1946 !!!!!

[@nathanpartridge3565]

Because the folks in power in this story had a D after their name.

[@RETSZTIRF]

The ballot box is the surest arbiter of disputes among free men

[@supergrover6868]

The actaul event is documented on the Tenn. Historical website. There is far more to this story. It is a well detialed minitue account and explains this action in relation to similar situations that were occuring in the nation at the exact same time. Plz take the time to study the real hisotry behind this drama. It is even more effective then this show is.

[@buckdurham8671]

we will have to do this again on a huge scale

[@Piper43078]

I love how the governor hangs up on him. absolutely fantastic!

[@MaendelWealthMgmt]

PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY? Discuss! More than 1,000 Green Berets penned a letter today about Second Amendment rights, detailing why the elite military unit members feel all Americans should be concerned about preserving the right to bear arms.. They used the 1946 Battle of Athens Tennessee to illustrate the need for weapons for protection from both tyranny & other dangers.

[@CAR15comandoSP1]

Back in the days you could cary a loaded firearm in the post office, and have a mob of citizens overthrow tyranny via any means nessasary. Back when we had a Constitution and freedom.

[@purplenurp5590]

Yeah and which generations let that freedom get destroyed? Huh?

[@Southern_Rebel]

I’m proud to be from Tennessee! Yes Haw!

[@jimharris4740]

My father was there, aw2 veteran and he said that we would have to do it again and I agree. Sad but true

[@harleydupler735]

The 2A in action

[@richiecuzzz1]

They should show this to all the misinformed little kids protesting to try and repeal the 2nd amendment.

[@williamjwagener]

George should have informed the Sheriffs "YOUR UNDER ARREST>" minor mistake.

[@johncarter44]

Patriots were the guardians of Peace and Justice in the Old Republic, before the dark times, before the Empire... 🇺🇸

[@bwhip]

I've never seen so many malfunctioning Garands.

[@JDsgreatz28]

HOW DID I NEVER HEAR ABOUT THIS!!

[@RonSafreed]

Same with me & I am 61 & this should have been in every American history school book 70 years now. It was a 2 day civil war in a local community in the mid-twentieth century & those vetrans should have gotten medals fighting this battle.

[@metallica1fan1]

Because the government didn't want you to know about it.

[@carltarrant1080]

America, The Land of Free

[@goose1077]

The idea that we need federal money to function is preposterous. There was a time when the federal government was only 4% of the economy was growing much faster then. Not if you happen to be there when it lands, you take over the base that it lands on with overwhelming force.

[@518booking]

Its unfortunate none of the coreupt officers died would have made for a happier story

[@americanpatriot3344]

Lastly, when it comes to veteran's who are active & us vet's who aren't anymore, fact is, we got our own codes too, just like the LE community does. We will most likely have a problem firing on our own men who are green, because that's who we all are who serve, green brothers in arms. Just like the cops got their blue line crap. Only difference is, the military brethren actually serve a legitimate purpose. With exception of elected Sheriff's & the deputies, police dept's have no right to exist or any authorization to by our Constitution. Fire on a group of vet's, badge or no badge, it won't matter, you will get fucked up.

[@DWreck958]

Liberty and justice for all.

[@americanpatriot3344]

One deputy, "his gun raised high...shouted: 'If you sons of bitches cross this street I'll kill you!'" Mansfield took the ballot boxes to the jail for counting. The deputies seemed to fear immediate attack by the "people who had just liberated Europe and the South Pacific from two of the most powerful war machines in human history." Elected Sheriff's, the deputies of them, they all work for us & they're supposed to uphold & the Constitution 1st & foremost & 2nd, serve us. Not themselves or for money or power. If you're wearing a badge, it would serve you all well to fear us in awe of respect for the fact that (and it's not even really just us vet's, but we're the best trained & experienced in America with weapons, tactics & warfare) we can destroy the playhouse in this country & force necessary changes America needs because we have sworn an oath to the Constitution also. Enemies foreign & domestic, not just foreign. And our main enemy any way these days is this government. 1 veteran of Desert Storm armed with only a 9mm pistol took down by killing/injuring almost 10 cops who unlawfully raided his home several years ago out west. It doesn't matter that he was locked up (when he shouldn't have been to begin with, but that's not what I'm talking about here.) Fact is, 1 veteran can make a whole squad of cops lives miserable. If it's a squad, platoon strength or more of us or many of us spread out causing mayhem for this corrupted system, then yes, you cannot & will not win in the end or even half of it all, even if it were to take American patriots many years of fighting for real freedom here in America, again.

[@necrofiendog2]

@bulldogger 'An American Story' 1992 Made for TV movie loosely based on The Battle of Athens TN 1946

[@paulsilva6543]

What timely movie.

[@Pawoodsman]

Does anyone know what movie this clip is from ? Thanks

[@Ethelemund]

What's the title of the movie? I'd like to try hunting down a copy since I grew up in Athens and Etowah. It would be cool to pass down.

[@JohnMGilbert]

Whoever owns the guns owns the law.

[@free00to00ryhme]

at the same time, if you dont vote at all, then they still win. they will be free to make up their numbers. but if you do vote, and you put your own candidates up for election, like the veterans in this video, and you make sure its a fair count, then we the people can win. we just have to unite and organize.

[@VashTheDamnFiend]

This is why we have the 2nd amendment

[@chip.chippa6416]

God save and bless America.

[@Dildosfordumbasses]

DAM STRAIGHT BROTHER!!

[@meathead6155]

It's Captain Harris from Police Academy!

[@WildBills44]

This is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie called AN AMERICAN STORY

[@NedWasHere94]

DAMMIT CURTIS.

[@JeffersonianTV]

amazing story

[@lazynihilanth1899]

ahh..the battle of Athens, the most american story you'll ever here

[@therainenetwork3510]

Ah yes, just as the Founding Fathers intended.

[@bulldogger]

What's the movie called?

[@michaelbiggins7533]

Gotta love the HID globes in the headlights so White! and bloody great batteries in those old cars? how long did they stay there?

[@moonglow482004]

I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!

[@AprilWatters]

So where can one watch the Full movie without ordering it from Amazon? ;)

[@LaneCorbett]

1946: *Government Steals the election* "1776 will commence again!" 2020: *Government steals the Election* "Safest Election Ever."

[@user-ef7jg1ir5q]

I'm surprised your comment hasn't been deleted by the commie YT reg!me.

[@YusefYandron]

cleaned and returned before sun up hahahaha nice thats GIs for ya

[@donmiller475]

ginko, the alternative is to roll over and let Marxism win. Personally, I don't want to live like they do in Europe (I've lived there) and the Baltic countries. I especially don't want to live like the Russian people did under Stalin. Read "The Gulag Archipelago" by Solzhenitsyn and then rethink your answer.

[@johnBseals]

Thus always to tyrants . . .

[@libertybelle2008]

@necrofiendog2 Where can you find this movie at. I looked on Netflix and cannot find it. Do you have an suggestions?

[@utubecenseorstruth]

what is the name of the movie? I would really like to see the whole movie

[@iambatman6120]

utubecenseorstruth An American Story. That’s the name of the movie

[@utubecenseorstruth]

@@iambatman6120 Thanks man. Its an old comment i did find out and saw the movie. It was great

[@lastswordfighter]

The democrats have not changed since 1946 and they sure haven't changed since the 1860s.

[@stardestroyer98]

today they would be called terrorists! the patriots must stand against injustice!

[@LivingCrusader]

I recently bought this movie on hallmark.com. It's called An American Story.

[@zazerzo]

This needs to happen again but with more guns and people, Ron Paul should of won most of those elections. They had a big group of people com out and ask: Where is my vote? no answer

[@joety4u95]

whatas this movie called

[@meathead6155]

Battle of Athens.

[@RonSafreed]

An American Story, filmed in Texas in 1992. A remake of the movie is coming out in the latter part of 2017.

[@natelowman7646]

the original boogaloo

[@bos7708]

Is that Captain Harris?

[@warofmcminn7058]

The McMinn County Living Heritage Museum in Athens, TN will not display any information about the "Battle of Athens" (War of McMinn Co) That is because the descendants of the 1930's & 1940's political machine are hugely influential on the Museum trustees. You don't have to look for to see the Cantrell family behind it. You would be surprised how close. The Museum pretends to be an authority and the go-to place for County History. But it kneels to the control of the crooks that once rules 3 Counties. Yes, they are still behind the scene in the county.

[@RonSafreed]

This should have been in every American history book going back 70 years.

[@RameyRocks]

I don't doubt that a bit.

[@john5743]

Some of this is inaccurate. Good nonetheless.

[@bobbaisden1685]

I may have missed it however, anyone hear which party was in charge of the police at the time? Democrats or other?

[@iambatman6120]

Democrats. As usual.

[@williamurbanich9804]

Like men.

[@elguinolo7358]

This is to happen now.

[@azzzzz101]

i live in Athens,tn

[@taylorvickery7521]

The day is coming Left to remove you from power 😡

[@DrStrangelove1941]

Lol, trying to out number the law like this is close to impossible now! XD

[@scottcurtis4849]

No no it's not

[@iambatman6120]

You’ll be surprised...

[@richardraymond7775]

Walking Tall!

[@Xamsims]

This would never happen today.

[@hymanocohann2698]

A revolver wouldn't have jammed.

[@lindaschwaner9193]

Wow is this all true?

[@jjames3793]

yes

[@RameyRocks]

Yes it is. The only thing about my town that makes me proud to live here.

[@zazerzo]

come*

[@catmandenny]

It is the President's hope that a majority of Americans will ask that gun ownership be severely restricted. Let's hope he is wrong about that.

[@nationofgandhis]

they did not have guns till they got into the armory....

[@RonSafreed]

Thank God for that national guard armoury. It saved the day.

[@iambatman6120]

They actually started with their personal firearms, till reinforcements came from the armory. Go second amendment!

[@MaxLaw843]

You have no basis for saying that, other than abject paranoia, correct?

[@lmaolmfao3611]

Imagine my shock #FreeAlexJones #InfoWars infowars.com

[@johnheisler9782]

They will tell you.vote damocrat if your a dumocrat

[@johnheisler9782]

Yup afraid we r on the same path.people don't understand the Democratic party,1829they were formed to preserve slavery,1860 they started the first insurrection (civil war) to protect slavery,in 1865 the Democrats murdered the father of freedom Abe Lincoln, voted against the 13,14,15,and 19th amendments,block reconstruction,created the KKK.johnson broke the unity of the black family's on purpose.and yet blacks vote for there oppressors.all the troubles black Americans have come from the Democrats and they vote for the inslavers of there great grandparents,WHY?they were hurt by Obama,helped by trump,and then voted for Uncle joey,and r being crashed by democratic politicians.the same five policies used by slave masters are the same five policies used in all democratic cities today.why do they vote for Satan?

[@johnheisler9782]

One more thing they past the crow laws and claim the Republicans .

[@jackroth9730]

BS