Hollywood vs. History: The Alamo

Hollywood vs. History: The Alamo

The Alamo was one of the most astounding and critical battles of our country. Its men were ruthless in their bravery and love of their country. Their mission for independence lives on in the hearts of all American’s today. Their legacy lives on forever and their courageous souls are still in the heart of the people of the lone star state. This is the story of bravery, love, tyranny, and liberty. This is the story of the Alamo

The battle of the Alamo only spanned an approximate 13 days yet it’s a very critical battle in winning the independence of Texas and helping expand the United States to the west. There were many small conflicts that led up to this battle but it all started as white settlers started migrating to Texas. In the early 1820’s after the Texas Revolution, Texas is a vast land sparsely populated and controlled by Mexico but not readily protected. The Mexican government began encouraging white settlers to come to Texas and start a new life so that they may help protect and populate it. For a small amount of money, settlers were given a fresh start and the fertile land of Texas. For this the Mexican government wanted the new settlers to agree to a few terms. These were, to become Roman Catholic, become a Mexican citizen, and not to hold any slaves. The whites agreed to these conditions and began settling

Jim Bowie was one of these settlers; he came to Texas to make a profit. Jim Bowie is best known to have built the bowie knife but even more so to have fought in the Alamo. Jim Bowie married a rich politician who is actually the sister of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was the new leader of Mexico; after he was put into power he proclaimed himself a dictator and abolished the Mexican constitution. As the Texan settlements prospered whites began breaking the codes and started smuggling in slaves. When the Mexican government was alerted of this they became furious. Meanwhile the whites began to seek independence from Mexico and shape Texas into a republic. They were joined in their beliefs by the Tejanos, a native tribe of Texas who also have been under Mexican rule.

In Stephen Austin a famous Empessario approached the Mexicans in Mexico City and pleaded for Texas independence. The Mexican government refused and even set up a law called the April 6, 1830 law, which stated that...

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...e was also not afraid to get his hands dirty since he was also doing a lot of the shooting and when he carried the cannonball that no one else would.

The engaging ending battle of the Alamo was as well illustrated in the movie as in the documentary. In the movie Davy fired the first shot which was very symbolic of his image. It was portrayed as the bloody battle that it really was. Bowie was killed sick in his bed as was true in history. Everyone in the Alamo is killed except for Davy Crockett. Davy is presented to Santa Anna where he is asked if he wants to beg for his mercy, he shows no fear and insults Santa Anna and still dies with honor.

Both the documentary and the movie did a very good job of showing the facts in a compelling way. The movie was slightly better in showing true emotion in characters and allowing you to really feel like you were in the position of the soldiers. The documentary and not exaggerate the heroism of Davy Crockett but still showing him as a brave and honorable soldier. The history of the Alamo and the Souls of the soldiers will be engraved in American history forever. And their deaths brought life and hope to our nation and to the Texan people.