Part I an Old, Rusty, Broken Down Cannon

GBT

In 1821, Stephen

Austin(Father of Texas) brought thousands of American citizens across the border into Mexico. These Americans were living in what today is Texas. They did not accept Mexican laws or taxes. They still saw themselves as Americans. This led to conflicts with the Mexican government. Over time these conflicts began to increase.

Alamo: 2013

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Bowie Knife

Sam Houston (near the end of his life)

General Antonio de Lopez Santa Anna

You better watch out, you better not cry

You better not run cause I’m telling you why.

Santa Anna is comin’ to town.

He sees you when you are sleeping because he is a creeping.

He knows if you have been bad or good,

so be good for goodness sake.

Oh, you better watch out you better not sigh!

He’s gonna make Davey Crockett die.

Santa Anna is comin’ to town!

Part I An old, rusty, broken down cannon

Tension between the Texans and Mexico began to increase. In October 1835, a group of Texans took control of an old abandoned cannon. Quite honestly, it was of little military value.

But, the Mexican government saw this action as a dangerous escalation. Mexican troops were ordered to reclaim the cannon. The Texan forces shot at the Mexican troops. Fighting began over a rusty cannon barely able to fire.

Both sides, Texan and Mexican, prepared for a fight. Santa Anna was determined to crush the Texan rebels with an overwhelming show of force. Sam Houston began recruiting farmers. He was named the commanding general of the Texan forces.

Houston needed soldiers, money, food, & weapons. But, most of all, Texas needed time to prepare a plan!

Part II An old church

Four months later, the Texans began arming and preparing an old church. The old church was in San Antonio. It was the largest building with the thickest walls. It became known as the Alamo. It was February 1836.

Santa Anna was marching for Houston’s forces. San Antonio was in the direct path between Santa Anna and General Houston. Santa Anna decided it was too dangerous to ignore the Texans inside the Alamo. Santa Anna decided to eliminate this threat and then focus on Sam Houston.

Part III The Alamo

The Alamo had approximately 180 volunteers defending her walls. Colonel Travis knew that it was unlikely the Alamo would withstand Santa Anna’s forces without reinforcements. Travis wrote a letter asking for assistance from the American people.

Colonel William Travis

Colonel William Travis: commanding officer of the Alamo

Colonel Davy Crockett: a famous frontiersmen in Tennessee that eventually was elected to Congress

Inside the Alamo was Davy Crockett.

A group of Tennessee volunteers had followed Crockett. Larger numbers of Tennessee volunteers were with General Houston.

Colonel Jim Bowie(and his brother)helped invent a famous fighting knife.

Colonel Jim Bowie

Bowie Knife

Part IV Lucky #13

02 March 1836: Texas declares independence

06 March 1836: After 13 days, Santa Anna’s troops breech the walls of the Alamo. Fighting turned hand to hand. The Alamo fell.

Part V “REMEMBER THE ALAMO!”

Or

DUDE LOOKS LIKE A LADY

21 April 1836: Battle of San Jacinto

General Houston’s forces defeated the Mexican troops using the element of surprise and attacking with the sun at their backs. Santa Anna was captured. He was found attempting to escape by dressing in the attire of a woman.

14 May 1836: Santa Anna signed a treaty. Texas became an independent nation. It was called the Lone Star Republic.