The Alamo as delay and command failure

The Alamo enters the discussion as a proposed American carrier name, with the objection that the United States was not a participant in the battle. The ensuing argument distinguishes its importance to Texas from its value as a military objective. The discussion puts the garrison at about 260 defenders at most against roughly 2,000 Mexican troops. Their resistance gave the Texans time to organize. Alex Clarke argues that Santa Anna could have bypassed the position instead of accepting delay and casualties. His criticism concerns Santa Anna's generalship, while allowing that the same man could be an effective politician and administrator.