Mexican-American War

Definition

The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily driven by territorial disputes following the U.S. annexation of Texas. This war resulted in significant land acquisitions for the U.S., including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming, fundamentally shaping the relationship between the two nations and influencing cultural and literary expressions in Chicano/Latino literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war was initiated over disputes related to Texas, which had declared independence from Mexico in 1836 and was annexed by the U.S. in 1845.
2. During the war, key battles included those at Palo Alto, Monterrey, and Buena Vista, which showcased U.S. military strength and strategy.
3. The conflict ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848, which resulted in Mexico ceding vast territories to the U.S. for $15 million.
4. The aftermath of the war intensified debates over slavery in newly acquired territories, contributing to sectional tensions leading up to the Civil War.
5. Chicano/Latino literature often reflects themes of identity, displacement, and cultural resilience stemming from the experiences and consequences of the war.

Review Questions

• How did the Mexican-American War impact cultural expressions in Chicano/Latino literature?
  • The Mexican-American War significantly impacted Chicano/Latino literature by shaping themes of identity, migration, and cultural memory. Many authors address the historical trauma associated with land loss and displacement experienced by Mexican-Americans due to this conflict. This literature often explores the complexities of living between two cultures and reflects on how this war has influenced contemporary Chicano identity.
• Evaluate the role of Manifest Destiny in justifying the actions taken by the United States during the Mexican-American War.
  • Manifest Destiny played a crucial role in justifying U.S. actions during the Mexican-American War by promoting the idea that American expansion was a divine right. This belief encouraged many Americans to view territorial acquisition as not only desirable but inevitable. As a result, it fueled public support for military action against Mexico, underlining notions of racial superiority and a perceived obligation to spread democracy and civilization.
• Assess the long-term effects of the Mexican-American War on U.S.-Mexico relations and how these effects resonate in modern Chicano/Latino narratives.
  • The long-term effects of the Mexican-American War on U.S.-Mexico relations include enduring tensions regarding territorial disputes and cultural differences that continue to influence interactions today. The war established a legacy of resentment among many Mexicans toward the U.S., which is often echoed in contemporary Chicano/Latino narratives that explore themes of loss, identity struggles, and cultural heritage. These narratives highlight ongoing challenges faced by Mexican-Americans while also celebrating resilience and community solidarity as responses to historical injustices.

Related terms

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The treaty that ended the Mexican-American War in 1848, resulting in Mexico ceding approximately half of its territory to the United States.

Manifest Destiny: A 19th-century belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was both justified and inevitable, serving as a rationale for westward expansion.

Chicano Movement:

A social and political movement that emerged in the 1960s, aimed at achieving civil rights and empowerment for Mexican-Americans and addressing issues related to identity, culture, and political representation.