Texans Defend the Alamo 13 Days that forever changed Texas and American History How did Texans respond to Santa Annas arrival On February 23 Alamo defenders were shocked to see the beginning of the ID: 771833
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Texans Defend the Alamo 13 Days that forever changed Texas and American History
How did Texans respond to Santa Anna’s arrival?On February 23, Alamo defenders were shocked to see the beginning of the Mexican force arriving in San AntonioTexans barely make it into the Alamo before the Mexican cavalry arrives in the city. Mexican forces quietly occupy San Antonio and begin surrounding the Alamo.
What was the weakness of the Alamo as a defense post? Bowie estimated that 1,000 troops would be needed to defend the Alamo. They only had less than 200 men.They believed that holding the Alamo at any cost was vital to the future of Texas The mission walls were incomplete, hampering the defense.
The Alamo (1963) film set Brackettville, Texas
What did the Red Flag symbolize? At his headquarters in San Fernando Church , Santa Anna flew the red “ no quarter ” flag , meaning that he would take no prisoners. The song they played, “ El Deguello ” was the song of death, and let the defenders know they would all die if they foughtMexican buglers played throughout the night to keep the Alamo defenders unnerved.
Why did Travis’s calls for help go mostly unanswered? Travis wrote several messages to the people of Texas and to the United States asking for assistance…signed “Victory or Death!”James Bonham served as messenger of these letters Travis received little response to his pleas for aid because the Texas forces were poorly organized. Fannin lacked enough wagons to move supplies from Goliad On March 1, only 32 reinforcements arrived at the Alamo from Gonzales.
Why did Travis draw a line in the sand with his sword? On March 5, Travis explained to his troops that remaining at the Alamo meant certain death.According to legend, he drew a line on the ground with his sword and invited those who wished to stay to cross the line. Almost 200 men decided to stay and fight for their beliefs.
How and when did the battle begin? The final assault began on the morning of March 6, 1836 at 5:30 A.M.Santa Anna had stopped the cannon fire the night before to allow the Texans to sleep, then interrupted their slumber with an early morning attack An estimated 1,800 Mexican troops took part, attacking at four different points .
What happened to Travis and Bowie? The North wall fell first, where William B. Travis was killed early in the fightingThe men retreated to the long barracks where the bloodiest of the fighting took place . Bowie was killed in his cot too sick to take part in the battle
How did the battle end? The Mexican army turned the Texan cannons on the Texans and forced them toward the chapel. The chapel was the last area to fall. By that time (around 8 AM) all but a few defenders were killed. According to Mexican sources about 7 men survived the fighting, including Davy Crockett .
What were the casualties? Who survived? All but a few of the 200 defenders of the Alamo are killed in battle. The remaining prisoners are executed. Santa Anna reports 70 of his men killed, while reports claim as many as 600 men killed and 300 injured. Susanna Dickinson, wife of an Alamo defender and her infant daughter survive as well as Travis’s slave, Joe, and a few others are allowed to go free.
How did the Texans react to the Alamo battle? The battle of the Alamo delayed Santa Anna for two weeks, to the advantage of Texans. Some people believe that Texas would not have won independence without the battle of the Alamo . The battle and the courage of the Texans at the Alamo made Texans more determined to win independence. Overall, it inspired Texans as Sam Houston’s army adopted the battle cry “Remember the Alamo” when they later fought at San Jacinto.