Question

which option best explains the significance of the alamo in relationship to westward expansion?

the alamo was the last fort held by the texian army, and their defeat marked the last attempt on the part of texans to gain independence.

the defeat of the texans by mexican forces rallied additional support for declaring the independence of texas.

the defeat of santa anna by the texans brought an end to the texas revolution and cleared the way for texas to join the united states.

the sneak attack that general houston engineered against santa anna’s army proved the military superiority of texian troops.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option 1: The Alamo was not the last fort, and the defeat didn't mark the last independence attempt (the Texas Revolution continued), so this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 2: The defeat at the Alamo (where many Texian defenders died) became a rallying cry ("Remember the Alamo!") that gained more support for Texas independence, which aligns with westward expansion's context of Texas seeking independence to eventually join the U.S.
• Analyze Option 3: Santa Anna was defeated later at the Battle of San Jacinto, not at the Alamo, so this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 4: The Alamo was a defense, not a sneak attack by Houston (Houston's attack was at San Jacinto), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. The defeat of the Texians by Mexican forces rallied additional support for declaring the independence of Texas.