1. 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?

2. The Alamo

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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)

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

8. 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

9. 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:

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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?