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High
School Lesson |
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- Share
with students the text of William B. Travis' famous letter from the
Alamo. Ask the students to consider why this document is widely regarded
as an example of courage.
- Present
the following definition of courage to the students: The ability to
face and endure what is dangerous, difficult, or painful. The habit
of overcoming fears by facing them rather than avoiding them.
- Aristotle
defines courage as knowing what is to be feared and what is not to be
feared. Ask the students to consider whether these definitions illustrate
Travis' actions at the Battle for the Alamo.
- Share
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1936 speech at San Antonio, which referenced
the Alamo, with the class. Ask the students to identify Roosevelt's
definition of courage as exemplified through this speech. Do they agree
with his definition of courage? Ask the students to define courage.
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This
link takes you to the NAIL search screen. Enter Roosevelt
and Alamo as search terms
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| The
Alamo:
Documenting Courage |
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| William
Barret Travis' request for reinforcements. |
| Commandancy
of the Alamo |
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| Bexar,
Feby 24th, 1836 |
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To
the People of Texas and All Americans in the World—
Fellow Citizens and Compatriots |
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| I
am besieged with a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I
have sustained a continual Bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and have
not lost a man. The enemy has demanded surrender at discretion, otherwise,
the garrison is to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken. I have answered
the demand with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly over the
wall. I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name
of Liberty, of patriotism, of everything dear to the American character,
to come to our aid with all dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements
daily and will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five
days. If this call is neglected I am determined to sustain myself as long
as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due his honor
and that of his country. |
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| VICTORY
OR DEATH |
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William
Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comd’t |
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| P.S.
The Lord is on our side—when the enemy appeared in sight we had not
three bushels of corn—We have since found in deserted houses 80 or
90 bushels & got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves. |
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Copyright
2002
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| Center
for the Advancement of Ethics and Character |
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to Curriculum Resources |
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