Question

texas revolution quiz
score: 15 q: 16/20
what was the critical strategic factor that allowed sam houston’s forces to win the battle of san jacinto so quickly and decisively?
the overwhelming size of the texan army, outnumbering the mexicans 5 - to - 1.
artillery support provided by the u.s. military.
a surprise attack launched while the mexican army was resting (taking a siesta)
the capture of general santa anna before the battle began.

Explanation:

To determine the critical strategic factor in the Battle of San Jacinto, we analyze each option:

• The yellow option (Artillery support from U.S. military) is incorrect as U.S. direct artillery support wasn’t a key factor here.
• The red option (Texan army outnumbering Mexicans 5 - to - 1) is wrong; the Mexican army was larger initially.
• The green option (Capturing Santa Anna before battle) is incorrect as Santa Anna was captured during/after the battle, not before it began.
• The blue option (Surprise attack while Mexican army rested) is correct. The Texans launched a surprise attack while the Mexican forces, under Santa Anna, were resting (taking a siesta), which led to a quick and decisive victory.

Answer:

The blue - colored option: A surprise attack launched while the Mexican army was resting (taking a siesta)