Station Rotation: The Alamo

Background Essay #1. Texas had very few people, which hurt its development. The government responded by offering cheap land to new settlers if they would agree to Mexico’s terms.

Background Essay #2. many Anglos were Protestant while most Mexicans were Catholic many Anglos were loyal to the U.S., not Mexico many supported slavery.

Background Essay #3. Santa Anna

Background Essay #4. Santa Anna changed the Mexican government from a federal system (individual states—like Texas—had control, to a centralized system—Mexico City and Santa Anna were in control.

Background Essay #5. The Texas rebels had booted his soldiers out of Texas and Santa Anna wanted to put down the rebellion.

Background Essay #6. Most of the soldiers were from the U.S. . Santa Anna said these outsiders had no business fighting a battle that wasn’t theirs.

Background Essay #7. a. federal system: central and state governments share power

Background Essay #7. b. Anglo: person who is not Hispanic— white American

Background Essay #7. c. Tejano: a Mexican born in Texas (Spanish and Indian blood)

Background Essay #7. d. centralization: placing more power in a central government

Background Essay #7. e. mission: a church established by foreigners who want to introduce natives to their religion

1. Santa Anna gave this speech. Document A 1. Santa Anna gave this speech.

Document A 2. The “miserable wretches” are the Texans wishing to separate from Mexico. They have taken control of Mexican land believe Mexico can’t defend it.

Document A 3. Mexican officials were too nice to the people of Texas.

Document A 4. The speech would appeal and inspire them.

Document B 1. He was the officer in commander of the rebel forces defending the Alamo.

2. The people of Texas and all other Americans. Document B 2. The people of Texas and all other Americans.

Document B 3. One: Travis was still hoping to get help. Two: He wanted people to know that he was willing to sacrifice his life for his new country, Texas, and that others might want to do the same. Three: He wanted to be remembered as a brave soldiers.

Document B 4. It could have inspired people to fight for liberty, or it might have just scared them.

Document C 1. The writers of this document say they are delegates of the people and believe that the power to declare independence comes from the people.

Document C 2. A. Tejanos: get rid of Santa Anna’s government but remain part of Mexico. Nervous about Anglo control of a new government. B. Anglos: happy to be rid of Santa Anna and free from Mexican control. They now control the government. C. Santa Anna: Texans were guilty of treason and need to be defeated. Mexico needs to take back control of Texas.

1. Santa Anna had about 1800 troops. Document D 1. Santa Anna had about 1800 troops.

Document D 2. He decided to surround the Alamo have foot soldiers attack it from four directions. The Calvary's job was to catch those who tried to escape and prevent desertion from the ranks of the Mexican forces.

Document D 3. By the morning of March 5th, the Mexican soldiers had moved their cannon within 200 yards of the Alamo walls. The number of Mexican soldiers was growing.

4. To stand and fight or try to escape Document D 4. To stand and fight or try to escape

Document E 1. A piece of music played by military bands before battle.

Document E 2. The army under attack was about to be destroyed without mercy. Its title referred to the slitting of the throat or a beheading.

Document E 3. To inspire his troops as they went into battle and to terrify and discourage the defenders of the Alamo.