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A small band of Americans hold out for a stand off against the entire Mexican Army. CBS reporters take us there to witness the events as they unfold at the tiny mission of the Alamo.
The United States government is taking a neutral stance as they let the Texas rebels face their own fate. Settlers are interviewed, and we learn of the plight they faced in getting crops planted, and the lack of menfolk as they have all rushed to answer the call of defense. Some of the pioneers have been here for 20 years, ever since the end of the War of 1812. The Americans tell of some of the outrageous promises the US government made about the land out West. The Mexican government sees the Texans as foreign rebels who refuse to pay tribute to that government. The Texans see themselves as Americans, and don’t recognize the border, as it has been drawn by the Mexicans, and don’t count themselves as part of Mexico.
Word comes with a discouraging message, no reinforcements are coming. Grim odds of winning just got even more grimmer. Moving to a remote transmitter inside the Alamo, we get a report directly from the brave soldiers who are holed up there. Elsewhere in America, troops are rallied, and on the way to support their American brothers fighting for freedom. Isn’t that what America is all about? Being able to live as you like, and without oppression from government?
There’s still that dispute about the border though, and exactly whose government owns the land. But let’s just brush that under the rug for now. The fighting has begun, and CBS reporters deliver the thrilling play by play. Though the Alamo may have fallen, Santa Anna has lost time, and the element of surprise.
