On this day in 1836, Mexican forces laid siege to an American garrison located in the Alamo in Texas. This battle would be one of multiple conflicts that occurred in the Texas Revolution; the American takeover of Texian territory previously belonging to Mexico.
By the 1820’s, westward expansion had brought thousands of American immigrants and colonists into Texas, many of them drawn by the lucrative offer of land provided by the Mexican government in an attempt to expand its economy. The mass immigration of Americans into Mexican territory would result in conflict between the groups despite the early amiability. This tension was caused by both the increased control over Texian territory by Americans, but also the escalated centralization of the Mexican government which gave way to the reduction of the rights of Texas inhabitants. The restrictive governance that had come to take place under the rule of Mexico led to a coalition of American immigrants and Tejanos (Mexican residents of Texas) formed with the desire of pushing back against the confining agenda. The Tejanos and American allies originally disagreed over whether to urge for a more democratic form of government, or to immediately declare independence, though after months of inactivity the decision was made in favor of a declaration of independence. The Mexican government was infuriated by the act of secession, giving way for the Mexican invasion of Texas.
Under the leadership of General Santa Anna, a force of approximately 6,500 Mexican soldiers entered Texas, while a contingent of 1,500 marched up the coast of Texas in February, 1836. It was this advance up the Texas coast that would eventually lead the 1,500 troops, under the order of Jose de Urrea, to the steps of the Alamo on February 23rd, 1836. Over the next ten days, the 1,500 strong Mexican force would engage in small skirmishes with the lightly manned garrison of the Alamo, numbering no more than 120 men. William B. Travis, a commander of the American forces, aware that his troops were incapable of matching such a large Mexican force, tried to call on American aid. The only aid that came was in the form of 100 troops, sent by an American government that was unwilling to make themselves complicit in the war. On the morning of March 6th, the 1,500 strong force of Mexican soldiers attempted on two occasions to breach the walls of the Alamo and on both occasions were held back. Though on the third attack, the Americans were unable to hold their positions, forced to retreat into the inner walls of the complex. Those who were unable to make it inside were cut down by cavalry and those who attempted to surrender were executed. The American force that had escaped into the complex was eventually overrun and it is believed that all who were found were killed.
The war would continue for around a month and a half after the Battle of the Alamo. The stories that had been shared about the events of March 6th spurred mass numbers of Americans to enlist into the Texas military. After weeks of intense military training, Texas forces, under the lead of Sam Houston, initiated an attack on the divided Mexican forces at the Battle of San Jacinto. The attack would garner a major victory for the Texian forces, eventually resulting in the retreat of Santa Anna and his troops. And so, under most impressive circumstances, the American-Tejanos force would be victorious in the Texas Revolution. Conflict would still arise between the newly independent territory and the nation of Mexico, conflict that would transform into the Mexican-American war, inflamed by the American government’s annexation of Texas. America would win the war, cementing Texas’ status as a state of the Union.
The events that occurred in the Alamo not only symbolize a major period of American history, but have developed into a stamp of valor and pride for many Americans; based on the sacrifice made by the 200 men who gave their lives for the valued asset of freedom. A battle that was instrumental in the ultimate growth of America during the period of westward expansion, the Alamo, although seemingly not the defining battle of the war, has implemented itself as a prevalent name in American history.
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