Overview:
Through a simulation, in which Canadians try to seize the state of Maine, students will gain an understanding of the circumstances surrounding the Battle of the Alamo, February 23 - March 6, 1836, between approximately 200 Texans and 4,000 Mexicans.

Background:
San Antonio, the second most populated city in Texas (Houston is the first), is home to the beautiful Riverwalk, Spanish Missions, and one of the most famous clashes in the history of the United States.

In 1836, Texas was part of Mexico. Tensions were high between American colonists and native Mexicans, due to differences in language and culture. The Mexican government, in an attempt to assert control over the region, had reaffirmed its Constitutional prohibition against slavery, established a chain of military posts occupied by convict soldiers, restricted trade with the United States, and decreed an end to further American immigration. As a response to these issues, a volunteer army was formed. When news came that the Mexican army was marching north with 7,000 soldiers to crush the revolt, approximately 180 Texas rebels decided to defend the city of San Antonio and made their stand at an abandoned Spanish mission, the Alamo. On March 6, 1836, the Battle of the Alamo reached its dramatic conclusion, as Mexican troops scaled the mission's walls. After a morning of fierce fighting, most of the defenders lay dead - including several Mexican defenders who had fought for Texas independence.

If the Alamo was a military defeat, it was a psychological victory. The Mexican troops suffered 1,550 casualties - eight Mexican soldiers died for every defender. "Remember the Alamo" became the battle cry of the Texas war of independence, and the defeat gave the Americans time to raise and train an army. On April 21, an army of around 800 men surprised the Mexican army as it camped out on the San Jacinto River, and forced General Santa Anna to sign a treaty granting Texas its independence.

Aim/Essential Question:
What motivated a small group of Texans to defend the Alamo against the powerful Mexican Army?

Motivation:
The absurd idea of Canada trying to claim Maine, one of the United States, will intrigue the students. Students will be placed into three groups: Group 1-Canadians, Group 2-Americans, and Group 3-Undecided.

Objectives:

1. Students will participate in a simulation that illustrates the Battle of the Alamo.
   
2. Students will read the grievances listed in the Texas Declaration of Independence and explore the conflicts between the Mexicans and the Americans living in Mexican Texas in 1836.
   
3. Students will examine primary documents to gain further understanding of the events that took place during the fight for Texas Independence.