Amie Jane Leavitt - The Battle of the Alamo: An Interactive History Adventure

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YOU are living in the early 1800s. Texas is part of Mexico. But youre not sure it will stay that way for long. New laws in Mexico have enraged some Texians so much that they are fighting for Texas independence. Will you fight for Texas freedom or against it?

In this book, youll explore how the choices people made meant the difference between life and death. The events youll experience happened to real people.

Chapter One sets the scene. Then you choose which path to read. Follow the links at the bottom of each page as you read the stories. The decisions you make will change your outcome. After you finish one path, go back and read the others for new perspectives and more adventures. Use your device's back buttons or page navigation to jump back to your last choice.

YOU CHOOSE the path you take through history.

Its December 9, 1835. The streets of San Antonio, Texas, are filled with excitement. After four days of battle, the Mexican leader, General Martn Perfecto de Cos, has surrendered. The townspeople of San Antonio cheer when the Mexican Army marches out of the city. Soon the news of the surrender spreads to other Texas citizens, or Texians.

The Mexicans feel ashamed for losing to soldiers they consider to be backwoods frontiersmen. In 1821, they won their independence from Spain. And that was against a professionally trained army.

Santa Anna became the president of Mexico in 1834.

If the Texians think they have won the fight, they are wrong. The Mexican soldiers know theyll be back to reclaim their honor.

Across Mexico, many citizens wonder what the fighting is about. After all, Texas is part of Mexico. And even though many Texians are from the United States, most have become Mexican citizens. They always got along with the government. Why are they now fighting against Mexico?

The problems started soon after Antonio Lpez de Santa Anna became president in 1834. After Mexico became free of Spain in 1821, the new leaders wrote a . This set of laws protected the rights of the people and gave them the right to vote. But Santa Anna thought the constitution was making Mexico weak. He decided to make laws of his own. Under these harsher laws, citizens had fewer rights. Most Mexicans went along with the new laws without complaining.

But many Texians felt differently about Santa Annas laws. They came from the United States. They were used to having more of a say in their government. The Texians worried that giving up a few rights now could mean losing more before long. Some Texian leaders were so angry that they started a rebellion. They wanted Texas to break free of Mexico and become an independent country.

News of the rebellion in Texas made it back to Mexico City. Santa Anna was furious. How dare these rebels try to steal Mexicos land? In late 1835, he sent General Cos to deal with the Texians. The Mexicans and Texians fought many battles. But after this last battle on December 9, the Mexicans were forced out of Texas.

Now, Mexican citizens all around you are making difficult choices. Many Mexican citizens support Santa Anna. They believe Texas should remain with Mexico. Others are choosing to fight with the Texian rebels. What will you decide?

You were born in Mexico. You would never fight against your own country. Your family is here. And although you work hard for a living, you believe Mexico is a fine place to call home.

Santa Annas army has some professional soldiers. But Santa Anna needs more men to fight with him. One day, Santa Annas officers come to your village looking for volunteers to join the army. Few men want to join. They explain that their families need them. But the officers take no excuses. They say every man must fight in Santa Annas army.

In the early 1800s, many Mexicans lived in adobe homes, which are made of sun-dried bricks.

Like many of your neighbors, you would rather stay with your family. But since you have no choice, you go with the officers to the army camp.

Early one morning in late December, you travel north with the huge army from the city of San Luis Potosi. As you look behind your shoulder, it seems like the trail of soldiers never ends. You are headed toward San Antonio, Texas. You arent looking forward to the long trip. Its more than 400 miles to San Antonio.

Even though its winter, the sun feels warm as you march across the desert. But after a few days, the weather turns cold. Its unusual for the weather to be this cold in Mexico. One evening, you are surprised to see heavy snow falling. Youre glad you brought your poncho. You huddle under this thick, wool cape to keep warm.

Mexican officers in the cavalry carried muskets on horseback.

When you awaken, 15 inches of snow cover the ground. A fellow soldier then tells you some terrible news. Several other soldiers have frozen to death during the night. After burying the dead soldiers, the army continues marching.

One evening, you study your musket. You dont know how youll protect yourself in battle with this gun. Youve never shot one before. You hope the officers will have time to train you before your first battle.

Every evening, you receive your food rations. At first, you were given 1 pound of meat, some beans, and corn. But that has changed. Little food is left. Now each days ration is a small, dry biscuit called hardtack. You can barely choke down the dry bread, but you know your body needs every bit of energy it can get.

One January evening, you notice General Santa Anna feasting on a huge meal from a crystal dish. His uniform is decorated with shiny war medals, and his long gold glistens. I wish the soldiers had such good things to eat, you mutter to yourself.

The Mexicans encountered swollen rivers during their march to San Antonio.

Finally, the army reaches the Rio Grande River in February. Before your unit crosses the river, your commander shows the group how to fire the cannons and muskets.