4.4 Fall of the Alamo

  • 1820s: Mexico's empresario system encourages American settlers to migrate to Texas.

  • 1830: Mexico halts American immigration and imposes new taxes.

  • 1831: Creation of the Department of Nacogdoches, followed by Béxar and Brazos.

  • 1833: Santa Anna becomes president and rejects Texan requests for separate statehood.

  • October 1835: Texas Revolution begins in Gonzales.

  • February 23 - March 6, 1836: Siege of the Alamo.

  • March 6, 1836: Fall of the Alamo.

  • March 27, 1836: Goliad Massacre.

  • April 21, 1836: Battle of San Jacinto secures Texan independence.

Key People:

  • Sam Houston: Texan general who led the victory at the Battle of San Jacinto.

  • James Fannin: Texan leader captured and executed during the Goliad Massacre.

  • William Travis: Commander at the Alamo, known for his 'Victory or Death' letter.

  • Jim Bowie: Co-commander at the Alamo, known for his defense strategies.

  • Davy Crockett: Famed frontiersman who fought at the Alamo.

  • Santa Anna: Mexican president and general, led forces during the Alamo and was captured at San Jacinto.

  • Susanna Dickinson: Survivor of the Alamo, sent by Santa Anna to spread news of the defeat.

Important Places:

  • Gonzales: Where the Texas Revolution began.

  • Alamo (San Antonio de Béxar): Key site of the siege and battle.

  • Goliad: Site of Fannin's surrender and the subsequent massacre.

  • San Jacinto: Site of the final decisive battle leading to Texan independence.

    The Rise of American Settlers in Texas

  • In the early 1820s, Mexico's empresario system encouraged American settlers to migrate to Texas, leading to a population of 25,000 by 1835.

  • Cultural and political tensions rose between the settlers, who preferred American-style self-governance, and the Mexican government, leading to strained relations.

Causes of the Texas Revolution

  • 1830: The Mexican government outlawed further American immigration and imposed new taxes, which angered Texans.

  • 1835: The revolution began in Gonzales, and tensions between the two sides escalated.

Key Events Leading to the Alamo

  • By early 1836, Texans had taken control of several forts, including the Alamo.

  • Leaders like William Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett bolstered the Alamo's defense, although Texan forces were divided.

The Siege and Fall of the Alamo (February 23 - March 6, 1836)

  • Santa Anna's Mexican forces, numbering around 3,000, surrounded the Alamo.

  • A 13-day siege followed, with 150 Texan defenders refusing to surrender.

  • On March 6, Santa Anna launched a final assault, resulting in the deaths of key figures like Travis and Bowie.

  • The fall of the Alamo became a powerful symbol of Texan resistance, rallying cries of "Remember the Alamo!" fueled further efforts.

The Goliad Massacre (March 27, 1836)

  • After the Alamo, James Fannin and his troops were captured by Mexican forces and executed, further inflaming Texan resolve.

  • The Goliad Massacre became another symbol of sacrifice, contributing to increased support for the Texan cause.

The Battle of San Jacinto (April 21, 1836)

  • Sam Houston led a surprise attack at San Jacinto, decisively defeating Santa Anna's forces and securing Texan independence.

  • The victories at the Alamo and Goliad helped galvanize Texan determination in the fight for independence.