The Alamo

“Remember the Alamo!” The most famous battle cry in American history echoed across the Texas countryside in 1836, rallying its settlers in their valiant struggle for independence from Mexico. Their inspiration was a heroic band of soldiers who fought to the death to defend the City of San Antonio, and the site of their courageous stand was a small mission-turned-fort called the Alamo. The Alamo invites you to take a trip back in time to the bloody showdown between Mexican dictator Santa Anna’s 4,000 man army and 189 brave American volunteers led by the legendary Davy Crockett, William Barret Travis, and Jim Bowie. The Alamo would be useful for classes on American History, Mexican History, Civics, Geography and Texan History. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Part 1

Founded in 1718, the ancient Mission San Antonio de Valero had long been abandoned when American settlers came to Texas in the 1820s. By 1835, with the Texan War of Independence from Mexico in full swing, the chapel was a roofless ruin surrounded by a high, three-foot-thick rock wall. When Lieutenant Colonel William Barret Travis and his band of Texas Volunteers captured the city of San Antonio from the Mexicans, the Alamo became their refuge. It was here that 189 soldiers prepared to face Santa Anna’s troops. By the time the Texans were joined by Davy Crockett and his Tennessee Volunteers, the stage was set for tragedy.

Discussion Questions

  1. The story of the Alamo is one of the mainstays of American history. But the myth of the Alamo is as strong, if not stronger than the truth. What is the myth of the Alamo? Why is the myth so pervasive? What is the reality?

  2. In the 1820s Texas was not a part of the United States. Why would citizens of the United States leave to become settlers in Texas?

  3. What was it that made Texas so attractive to Americans?

  4. Texas was Mexican territory, as such, its culture was influenced by years of Spanish settlement. What were some of the problems faced by the Anglo-Texans and the Mexican-Texans?

  5. While Texas has long been a part of the United States, it originally belonged to Mexico. Who has the right to Texas? Was the cause the men at the Alamo fought for justified?

  6. What starts the animosity and discontent between Mexico and its Anglo settlers?

  7. What is meant by a “provisional government?” Have there been any “provisional governments” in the United States?

  8. Why was the Alamo such a key post?
Extended Activities

  1. Create a poster calling the people of Texas to arms to defend the Alamo.

  2. Imagine that you are a settler in Texas. Write a letter back home to your friends and family in the United States encouraging them to come to Texas. What would you emphasize about Texas that would make your friends and family want to join you?

  3. On a map of North America, trace the march of Santa Anna and his troops to the Alamo.
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