ABSTRACT
The story of Sam Houston and the Alamo contains important lessons for environmental negotiators, as well as military strategists. Through his research, Sam Houston was aware of the size and the strength of the Mexican Army. Taking stock of the situation, he knew it was hopeless for the Texans to engage the Mexican Army at the Alamo. He persuaded his government to get organized, and he himself organized the Texas Army. He continued his organizational efforts until his army was at its peak and until the opposing army was in a weakened condition. When Santa Anna and his troops chose not to take Sam Houston's army seriously, Sam Houston reacted with stunning effectiveness. He literally caught Santa Anna and the Mexican soldiers napping. Sam Houston did his research, he took stock, he organized, he acted, and he reacted. These are the five strategic steps that make up the environmental negotiation process.
