The Alamo (1836), Mexican-American War (1846–48), and Presidents (1837-1841)

"The Siege of the Alamo"  byHoward David Johnson

The Battle of the Alamo (1836) began with Texians driving all Mexican troops out of Mexican Texas. About 100 Texians were then garrisoned at the Alamo. The Texian force grew slightly with the arrival of reinforcements led by James Bowie and William B. Travis. Following a 13-day siege, Mexican troops under Santa Anna launched an assault on the Alamo Mission. After defending against two attacks, Texians were unable to fend off a third attack, and all but two of the Texian defenders were killed. Davy Crockett (American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier and politician) was one of those that were killed. Santa Anna's perceived cruelty during the battle inspired many Texians—both Texas settlers and adventurers from the United States—to join the Texian Army.

Sam Houston Bergenholtz at the Sam Houston birthplace. 

"Remember the Alamo!" 

With the desire for revenge, the Texians defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto led by Sam Houston, on April 21, 1836, ending the revolution.

Reading

The Mystery at the Alamo (The Boxcar Children Mysteries #58)

While the book was a fictional mystery, it has many accurate facts about the Alamo.

If you have a Kindle, the first chapter is a free sample. 

Bluebonnet at the Alamo, Mary Brooke Casad

The book gives the reader a brief tour of the river walk and the Alamo as viewed by two armadillos. The main plot revolves around Jim Bowie and his famous knife.

Writing, Painting and Drawing

Alex's notebook page from Draw and Write Through History
"During the 1830's, Mexico held much of the land that we now know as the western United States, including Texas. Americans, who settled in Texas, had to become Mexican citizens and obey Mexican laws. Santa Anna, the dictator of Mexico, made laws that the Texans didn't like. They declared their independence from Mexico and prepared for war. After the defeat at the Alamo, Texan joined Sam Houston in fighting and eventually defeated the Mexicans. Their cry of "Remember the Alamo!" is remembered even today."

The notebooking page we used came from the free sample at Homeschool in the Wood Time Travelers The Early 19th Century. I like the suggestions for putting a piece of cardboard under the soldiers piece to make it look a little 3-D. (This might be a little hard to see in the photo, but it is cool.)

Quentin's notebook page

The writing area needed to be changed for my younger two's writing, so we glued it to another page.

Drawing instructions (and copywork) for the Alamo can be found in Draw.Write.Now. Book Five by Marie Hablitzel and Kim Stitzer and in Draw and Write Through History, Napoleon to Lady Liberty: The World of the 1800's  by Carylee Gressman and Peggy Dick

Playing

Alamo Figures Toy Soldiers with Cannon and Carrying Bag

This set is great for playing and narrations.

In the Mexican–American War (1846–48), American forces quickly occupied New Mexico and California, then invaded parts of Northeastern Mexico and Northwest Mexico; meanwhile, the Pacific Squadron conducted a blockade, and took control of several garrisons on the Pacific coast further south in Baja California. After Mexico would still not agree to the cession of its northern territories, another American army captured Mexico City, and the war ended in victory of the U.S.

We made maps of how America grew, including the dates.

The detail of the maps depends on their abilities.

Presidents

Alex's notes for these presidents.

Martin Van Buren, eighth President of the United States (1837–1841). His administration was largely characterized by the economic hardship of his time, the Panic of 1837, a period of runaway inflation which ended with every bank accepting payment only in gold and silver, forcing a dramatic,deflationary backlash. The Panic was followed by a five-year depression, with the failure of banks and then-record-high unemployment levels. He was scapegoated for the depression and called "Martin Van Ruin" by his political opponents.

William Henry Harrison (February 9, 1773 – April 4, 1841) was the ninth President of the United States (1841). Harrison died on his 32nd day in office of complications from pneumonia.

Related posts:
Texas State Study
Sam Houston's Birthplace