1. Chapter 10, Section 2 Notes Title: Texans Defend the Alamo
Main Idea: The Texans at the Alamo fought bravely but were ultimately defeated by Santa Anna’s army.
Key Terms: fortify, bombard

2. I. In Defense of the Alamo
On February 23, Santa Anna’s army had arrived at San Antonio.
The Alamo’s defensive position had certain strengths
Walls were 2 to 3 feet thick; 12 feet high
21 cannons, including one 18-pounder
Plenty of beef, corn, and water

3. I. In Defense of the Alamo
C. The Alamo also had weaknesses:
Gaps in the walls
Holes in some places
It was too large; it was built to hold about a 1,000 men (Travis had fewer than 200 men).

4. II. Travis Declares “Victory or Death!”
A. Travis and the Alamo defenders understood the mission came to symbolize the achievements won in the cause for independence.
On February 24, Travis wrote his famous letter “To the People of Texas and all Americans” asking for help.
The letter ended with “Victory or Death!”

5. II. Travis Declares “Victory or Death!”
D. Meanwhile, Col. Fannin and his men at Goliad were unable to help Travis. They lacked enough wagons to move their supplies.
E. But on March 1, 32 volunteers led by Albert Martin and George C. Kimball arrived from Gonzales to help Travis.

6. II. Travis Declares “Victory or Death!”
F. Santa Anna made his headquarters at the San Fernando Church near the Alamo; he flew the red flag meaning death, no mercy, no prisoners!
On March 3, Travis wrote his last appeal for help to the convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos.
Although no troops were sent, James Bonham, the messenger, returned knowing he would face his death.

7. III. Facing Certain Death
Fact or Legend?
On March 5, Travis took his sword and drew a line in the sand.
All who wished to stay and fight, cross the line. The rest are free to go in peace.
All but one, Louis “Moses” Rose (a native of France), crossed the line.
He decided he wasn’t ready to die for a hopeless cause.

8. III. Facing Certain Death
B. Since February 23, Mexican cannons had bombarded, or fired upon, the Texans daily.
C. The Texans’ long-range Kentucky rifles were no match for Santa Anna’s arsenal of cannon.

9. IV. Texas Troops Give Ground
A. The Final Attack Planned: March 6, 1836
After 13 days of laying siege to the Alamo, Santa Anna has all his troops into position.
An icy cold front blew in the previous night, and Alamo defenders spent the night trying to stay warm.
For the first time in many days, Santa Anna’s cannon fell silent.

10. IV. Texas Troops Give Ground
B. The First & Second Wave of the Attack: 5:30 A.M.
Mexican buglers begin playing El Deguello (ancient Aztec war chant) meaning no mercy.
1,800 men attack; some only with ladders.
Texans fire down and some Mexicans retreat.
Travis on the north wall is one of the first Texans killed as he takes a bullet to the forehead.

11. IV. Texas Troops Give Ground
B. The First & Second Wave of the Attack: 5:30 A.M.
Bowie on his sickbed; he supposedly killed several Mexican soldiers with his knife before they killed him.
Crockett was fighting fiercely with his volunteers on the palisade (tall wooden fence)
Overall, the Texans fought hard and held their own.

12. IV. Texas Troops Give Ground
C. The Third Wave of the Attack: 6:30 A.M.
i. More Mexican soldiers pushed forward and stormed over the Alamo walls.
ii. Now, in the courtyard area, rifles gave way to hand-to-hand combat: swords, knives, clubs, tools, etc.
iii. The final assault was led by 400 Zapadores – Santa Anna’s best trained soldiers held in reserve.
iv. The Texans were overpowered and the battle ended around 7:00 A.M.

13. IV. Texas Troops Give Ground
D. Losses in the Battle
i. 189 Texans dead; possibly 250
600 Mexicans dead; hundreds wounded later die; possibly 1,000…Santa Anna claimed 70 dead!

14. IV. Texas Troops Give Ground
E. Survivors
i. Colonel Enrique de la Pena wrote in his diary that Crockett and 5 or 6 others were allowed to surrender before the battle was over. And they were later beheaded with swords.
Brigido Guerrero – convinced Santa Anna he was forced to fight against the Mexicans.
Susanna Dickinson and daughter Angelina

15. IV. Texas Troops Give Ground
E. Survivors
iv. Ana Esparza – wife of Gregorio (a Tejano).
Andrea C. Villanueva – Bowie’s nurse (see p. 235).
Sam Bowie – Bowie’s slave
Joe Travis – Travis’s slave

16. IV. Texas Troops Give Ground
F. The Dead
Texans: valuables taken; wounded were killed; and bodies burned in funeral pyres
Mexicans: bodies buried in an unmarked mass grave somewhere near San Antonio

17. V. The Significance of the Alamo
Santa Anna suffered heavy losses – possibly ¼ of his army.
Bought more than 2 weeks of incredibly valuable time for Houston to recruit and train.
Made the Texans MAD and determined.

18. V. The Significance of the Alamo
Encouraged Americans to help by sending more money and supplies.
Made Santa Anna underestimate the Texans.
Inspired the Texans to “Remember the Alamo!”

19. Assignments for Today Alamo Fun Booklet
10-2 Guided Reading/Section Quiz