Antonio López de Santa Anna

Recorded sideMexico (Centralist Army)

Recorded resultVictory; stormed the fort

Mexican victory; total loss of the Texian garrison

This was a doomed last stand, not a win: heavily outnumbered defenders behind weak walls, with no relief coming, were overwhelmed in a pre-dawn assault and killed almost to a man. Its 'success' was purely moral and temporal, tying down Santa Anna's army for nearly two weeks.

What followed

The massacre, honestly a decisive Texian defeat, became the rallying cry 'Remember the Alamo!' that galvanized recruitment and hardened resolve for the campaign that ended at San Jacinto.

Recorded sideMexico (Centralist Army)

Recorded resultRouted; army destroyed and Santa Anna captured the next day

Texian victory; won Texas independence

Houston attacked during the Mexican afternoon rest, achieving complete surprise; his line crossed the open ground and broke the unprepared camp in about 18 minutes. The river and marsh trapped fleeing soldiers, and cries of 'Remember the Alamo' turned the rout into slaughter.

What followed

The capture of Santa Anna forced the Treaties of Velasco and secured the independence of the Republic of Texas.