Warm-Up 12/2/15 ► In your notebook, identify the important people at the Alamo and why they were important. Write your answers in complete sentences. Name as many individuals as you can.

The Mexican Army ► The infantry is made up of mostly conscripts. Conscripts are people forced to become soldiers ► Their weapons are old and most officers are inexperienced ► They are not well trained to fight

The Texian Army ► Mostly made up of volunteers fighting for a reason ► Texians are not disciplined but they have a strong sense of individualism ► Choose their commanders and are deadly shots ► Most of Texan army are from the South?

Santa Anna ► Commander of Mexican army who is experienced in fighting rebellions ► Mean because it keeps him in power in Mexico ► He wants to end the Texas revolt because he wants to show he is in charge in Mexico

William B.Travis ► Commander of Texans army while James Bowie commands Texas volunteers ► He is ambitious, has a sense of honor and is seeking a place in history ► Mistakenly believes that he can hold off army because of walls and cannons

Jim Bowie ► Legendary adventurer ► Mexican citizen who was sent to San Antonio by Sam Houston to assess the situation t the Alamo and destroy the fort if it was not ready to defend ► Stayed in San Antonio and enforced the Alamo ► Commanded the Volunteer army at the Alamo until illness forced him to give Travis full command

Davy Crockett Crockett was a legendary adventurer who had served in Congress. After being defeated in an election he told the voters “you all can go to hell. I am going to Texas” Offered a command by Travis, but refused it.

James Bonham Lifelong friend of William Travis Was a great horseman Sent as messenger to get help from Texans around the Alamo Reportedly went to Goliad were Fannin refused to move Rode through the Mexican lines in order to get back into the Alamo He died defending the fort on March 6, 1836

Juan Seguin ► Native of Spanish and Mexican Texas ► Led scouts during the siege of San Antonio ► Led his unit into the Battle for San Antonio on Dec 5, 1835 ► Was with Travis and the men at the Alamo in 1836 until he was sent to get more volunteers at Gonzales (main character in “The Alamo” movie) ► Later served at the Battle of San Jacinto

Why the Alamo? ► Mexican reasoning:  Santa Ann needs a victory to help his image in Mexico  It is located in central Texas making it a resting spot for Mexican army and supplies.  San Antonio is largest city in Texas. ► Texians reasoning:  Alamos sits on an important road  Travis and Bowie felt that they could hold the Alamo and felt safe there  Alamo could slow down the Mexican army because it is in the middle of Texas

Travis’s Letters Written to the people of Texas and the United States asking for assistance at the Alamo Written to the people of Texas and the United States asking for assistance at the Alamo

Travis’s Best Known Letter “I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna--I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours hours & have not lost a man--The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the “I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna--I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours hours & have not lost a man--The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the

Travis’s Letter (continued) garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken--I have answered the demand with a with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls--I shall never surrender or retreat Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken--I have answered the demand with a with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls--I shall never surrender or retreat Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the

American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch-- The enemy is receiving American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch-- The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country--Victory or Death!” reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country--Victory or Death!”

The Siege of the Alamo ► The siege begins on February 26, 1836 ► Texans are outnumbered 8 to 1 ► It is a fortified area which covers three acres and has several cannons ► Texans believe that reinforcements will come, also have racists beliefs that can defeat large force

The Siege of the Alamo ► Cannons are fired everyday at the Alamo walls ► The Mexican army surrounds the Alamo ► Line in the sand never happened but Travis did make a short speech

Mexican Artillery pound the Alamo walls daily.

The Battle of the Alamo: Phase One ► The assault begins on March 6, around 5:00 ► Mexican infantry attacks the Alamo from three sides ► Brave Mexican infantry advance under cannon fire which bunches them towards the North Wall

The Battle of the Alamo: Phase Two ► Mexican infantry breaches North wall ► 80 Texans make an attempt to escape by running out of Alamo ► The Mexican cavalry will catch them and kill all the escaping Texans

The North Wall is breached!

The Battle of the Alamo: Phase Three ► Mexican infantry inside the Alamo turn cannons on the buildings ► Crockett and several make last ditch effort at mission but are captured ► The fighting is vicious hand to hand combat

The Aftermath ► All Alamo defenders are killed but family members are spared ► Crockett and 5 survivors are ordered to be executed by Santa Anna ► The Alamo will give the Texian army determination to fight to beat Mexico

So what does this all mean? ► Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of the Mexican and Texian armies? ► Compare and contrast Santa Anna and William B. Travis as leaders. ► Why did the Texians feel the need to stay and fight at the Alamo? ► Pretend that you are an eyewitness to the siege of the Alamo. Write a report about the battle to inform the people of Texas as to what you have seen.