Warm-up: answer on the PP Guide What is the first battle of the Revolution? Describe what happened. How did the Texans perform in the battles that took place in 1835? What are some grievances the Texans had with the Mexican government? (at least 3) What is the purpose of the Declaration of independence?

The Alamo

History of the Alamo The Alamo was a mission In the 1700’s it was used to teach Native Americans the Catholic religion In 1836, it became a huge battleground between Texans (Anglo and Tejano) and Mexicans

Quick Question #1 1) What is a siege? Why would an army use this strategy?

Before the Siege Texans gained control of San Antonio in the Battle of San Antonio Never thought Santa Anna would bring troops into Texas during the winter Santa Anna began assembling troops after the Battle of Gonzales Left Texans surprised and unprepared Leader of the Alamo was away on family business

The Siege On March 2, Texas Declared Independence From Feb. 23- Mar. 6: Santa Anna led a 13 day siege (attack) of the Alamo Anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 (no one knows for sure) Mexicans took on 189 Texans Eventually they broke through, killing everyone (except the few women and children)

Quick Question #2 2) Who is William B. Travis? What did he do to cause the Revolution?

William B. Travis The leader of the Texas army at the Alamo Was originally ordered by Sam Houston to destroy the Alamo “Victory or Death!” “I will never surrender!” Kept waiting for help

James Bowie Leader of the volunteer soldiers Disagreed with Travis Was in very bad health Famous “dueler” in Louisiana and Mississippi, made famous this knife:

Juan Seguin Leader of Tejano forces, which were Mexicans who joined Texas Many Mexican soldiers did not like the dictator Santa Anna and wanted to fight him Was not killed in the Alamo

David Crockett Congressman from Tennessee, brought many volunteers to help Texas “King of the Wild Frontier” Crockett and his men were offered land in Texas

Quick Question #3 3) Even though they lost, why do we remember the Alamo?

Why is this important? The 189 knew they would die, but they stayed strong anyway for 13 days refusing to surrender Inspired others They took out hundreds more Mexican soldiers Helped the numbers It held off the Mexican army for 13 days so Sam Houston could gather supplies and soldiers Bought time

Reading: “The Fall of the Alamo” Why was Travis concerned about the Texans’ odds at the Alamo? What is Travis asking for in his letters? What was happening at Washington-on-the-Brazos? What did Santa Anna order once his men made it inside the walls of the Alamo? Why would the defenders of the Alamo stay when they were so outnumbered? Would you have stayed?