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Blinn College *

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History

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Dec 6, 2023

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Perspectives on the Alamo The Battle of the Alamo was a pivotal event in the Texas revolution. There were many accounts of the Alamo documented and many authors continue to explore its significance today. A primary source is an original document or firsthand account of an event. Some examples include a recording, eyewitness account, or letter. A secondary source interprets the primary source usually giving analysis. "The Fall of the Alamo" by José Enrique de la Pefia and "Report and Appeal for Aid, March 3, 1836" by William B. Travis are both good examples of primary sources. "Determined Valor and Desperate Courage” by Stephen L. Hardin is an example of secondary source. Examining these primary and secondary sources and their historical analysis we see the varying perspectives of the Battle of the Alamo. All three analysis’s of the conflict have differences and similarities that help readers get a full understanding of the battle of the Alamo. One similarity among the three sources is that they are all telling stories of the Alamo. De La Pena’s and Travis’s primary sources narrate the events from differing viewpoints. De La Pena was a Mexican officer while William Travis was a Texan commander. De La Pena explained General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s strategy for the Mexican army, while Travis’s letter provides insight into the Texan defenders and their commitment to independence. The main difference among these accounts lies in their biases. The letter Travis wrote served as plea for reinforcements as the Texan forces faced a large threat from Mexican General Santa Anna and his army. Travis was very committed to the cause of Texas independence and willingness to hold the fort and fight till the end. In opposition, De La Pena’s account provides a more strategic perspective in favor of Mexico. Hardin’s article “determined Volar and Desperate Courage” gives context to the primary sources from an objective stance. Hardin unlike De La Pena and Travis,
was not present for the Alamo. His article explains the consequences of the thirteen-day siege of the Alamo. Hardin explains that the alamo was certainly not a fortress, it lacked strong points that it needed to withstand war. He explained that the walls were not created for war they were created to stop the arrows of hostile Indians and to keep Neophytes from escaping. He explained the feelings of both the Mexicans and the Texans. Even after the war after venturing the fort and discovering defenses prisoners Santa Anna ordered immediate execution. Today the alamo provides a valuable lesson about the consequences of political and military decisions and the complexity of war. The primary sources of De La Pena and Travis, along with the secondary analysis by Hardin, offer a full understanding of the battle of the Alamo and devastating loss of lives. While primary sources bring the past to life, secondary sources provide context and analysis needed to fully understand this crucial moment in history.
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