1. The Alamo Analysis of two Armies The commanders Why the Alamo?
The Siege of the Alamo

2. 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

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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

6. Santa Anna’s Advance
The Mexican army will march several hundred miles and endure a Northern
Commanche’s will kill Mexican soldiers who fall behind on march
Solderas are camp followers who assist Mexican soldiers

7. Gregorio Esparza
San Antonio resident who fought at the Battle of San Antonio, 1835
Led a cannon crew at the Alamo, 1836 and was killed
Brothers requested permission to bury their brother and provide a Christian burial

8. Why the Alamo? Mexican reasoning: Texians 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Mexican Artillery pound the Alamo walls daily.

12. 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

13. 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

14. The North Wall is breached!

15. 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

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

17. 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.