|
|
|
VIDEO PROGRAM
Volume 278: Episode III: The Hour of Sacrifice
OBJECTIVE
Students will discuss the impact of military decisions on future strategies.
CLASS QUESTIONS
Why was the Battle at Buena Vista, or La Angostura as it is called in Mexico, a pivotal point in the U.S.-Mexican War? How might the war have been different if General Santa Anna's army had been able to continue fighting and capture General Zachary Taylor's army?
In what ways did geography and weather affect the performance of both armies, including Santa Anna's difficult march from San Luis Potosi to the battlefield terrain and winter hazards?
PRIOR TO CLASS VIEWING
Review the CLASSROOM TIPS FOR USING ANY VIDEO CHAPTER .
Use THE U.S.-MEXICAN WAR MAP to set up the tension surrounding the choices being made by leaders of the military campaign. Illustrate the route and geographic challenges faced by Santa Anna's troops from San Luis Potosi to Buena Vista/La Angostura battlefield (Saltillo). Point out the location of Veracruz where both Taylor and Santa Anna knew that General Winfield Scott was preparing an invasion.
CONNECTIONS TO SEMESTER STUDIES
Discuss examples of military heroes who later became U.S. presidents. (After the battle at Buena Vista, Zachary Taylor's presidential candidacy would be ensured.)
Examine the tensions between political parties in the U.S., particularly between the Whigs and Democrats during the mid-19th century.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Classroom Debate
Divide the class into focus groups to discuss the class questions listed above. Offer reasons why Santa Anna left the battlefield. Ask students to predict what President Polk and General Santa Anna will do next.
Analysis of Music and Art
Circulate the music sheet in the CLASSROOM RESOURCE PACKAGE. Many battles and war heroes were commemorated in popular songs during the 19th century.
Map Skills
| NCSS Standards | The Battle of Buena Vista/La Angostura
| II, III
| On February 22 and 23, 1847, Generals Zachary Taylor and Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna faced each other in the Battle of Buena Vista, or La Angostura as it is called in Mexico. This was the first battle of the war in which Santa Anna served as commander of the Mexican army. It was the last battle that Taylor would lead.
| III
| Buena Vista was the last major battle in the north. Casualties on both sides were among the highest in the war.
| II, III
| General Winfield Scott's imminent landing in Veracruz would turn the axis of the war to an east/west campaign reaching from the Veracruz ports to Mexico City.
|
|
Back to Top of Page