Alamo

Definition

The Alamo was a historic Spanish mission and fortress in San Antonio, Texas that became the site of a pivotal battle during the Texas Revolution against Mexico in 1836. It is a symbol of bravery and sacrifice in the fight for Texas independence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Alamo was originally built as the Mission San Antonio de Valero, a Spanish frontier mission established in the early 18th century.
2. In 1836, the Alamo was the site of a pivotal battle during the Texas Revolution, where a group of Texian and Tejano rebels were besieged by the Mexican army led by General Santa Anna.
3. The Alamo defenders, led by Colonel William B. Travis, included famous figures such as Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, and they fought to the last man against the overwhelming Mexican forces.
4. The fall of the Alamo was a significant defeat for the Texian rebels, but it inspired other Texians to rally and eventually defeat the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto, leading to Texas independence.
5. The Alamo has become a symbol of bravery, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom, and it remains an important historical site and tourist destination in Texas.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of the Alamo in the context of the Texas Revolution.
  • The Alamo was a pivotal site in the Texas Revolution, as it was the location of a 13-day siege and battle where a group of Texian and Tejano rebels, led by Colonel William B. Travis, fought to the last man against the overwhelming Mexican forces of General Santa Anna. Although the Alamo defenders were ultimately defeated, their bravery and sacrifice inspired other Texians to rally and eventually defeat the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto, leading to Texas independence. The Alamo has become a powerful symbol of the fight for freedom and the willingness to stand up against oppression, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
• Describe the role of the Tejano population in the Battle of the Alamo.
  • The Tejano population, which consisted of Mexican-Texan residents of Spanish and Mexican descent, played a significant role in the Battle of the Alamo. Many Tejanos, such as Juan Seguin, fought alongside the Texian rebels in the defense of the Alamo against the Mexican army. The Tejano presence at the Alamo highlights the complex and often intertwined nature of the Texas Revolution, as it involved both Texian settlers of Anglo descent and the local Tejano population, who were fighting for their own autonomy and independence from the Mexican government.
• Analyze the long-term impact of the Battle of the Alamo on the outcome of the Texas Revolution.
  • The Battle of the Alamo, despite its ultimate defeat for the Texian rebels, had a significant long-term impact on the outcome of the Texas Revolution. The bravery and sacrifice of the Alamo defenders, including famous figures like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, inspired other Texians to rally and seek revenge for their fallen comrades. This led to the decisive Texian victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, where General Sam Houston's forces defeated the Mexican army and captured General Santa Anna, effectively securing Texas' independence. The Alamo has since become a powerful symbol of the fight for freedom and self-determination, and its legacy continues to shape the cultural and political landscape of Texas to this day.

Related terms

Texas Revolution:

The Texas Revolution was a war of independence fought between Texian settlers and the Mexican government from 1835 to 1836, which resulted in the establishment of the Republic of Texas.

Battle of the Alamo: The Battle of the Alamo was a 13-day siege and battle at the Alamo mission in San Antonio, Texas, where a group of Texian and Tejano rebels were defeated by the Mexican army, resulting in the deaths of all the Texian defenders.

Tejano: Tejanos were Mexican-Texan residents of Spanish and Mexican descent who lived in the region that became the state of Texas.