Mexican-American War period

Definition

The Mexican-American War period refers to the conflict between the United States and Mexico that lasted from 1846 to 1848, primarily fueled by territorial expansion and the concept of Manifest Destiny. This war resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S., including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming, fundamentally reshaping the map of North America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mexican-American War was driven by the U.S. desire to expand its territory and was influenced by the ideology of Manifest Destiny.
2. The conflict began when U.S. troops were deployed to disputed territories following Texas' annexation, leading to clashes with Mexican forces.
3. The war officially concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848, which significantly increased U.S. territory.
4. The territorial gains from this war raised questions about the expansion of slavery into new territories, intensifying sectional tensions between the North and South.
5. This period set a precedent for future American foreign policy and military interventions in Latin America.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of Manifest Destiny influence American attitudes toward expansion during the Mexican-American War?
  • Manifest Destiny significantly shaped American attitudes by fostering a belief that expansion was not only desirable but a divine right. This mindset encouraged citizens and politicians alike to support territorial acquisition, viewing it as an essential part of America's destiny. The war against Mexico was seen as a crucial step in fulfilling this belief, as it allowed the U.S. to claim vast areas of land that were viewed as necessary for the nation's growth.
• Discuss the economic and political impacts of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on both Mexico and the United States following the Mexican-American War.
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo had profound economic and political effects on both nations. For the United States, it provided vast territories rich in resources, promoting westward expansion and economic growth. However, it also intensified debates over slavery as new states entered the Union, leading to greater sectional conflict. For Mexico, the loss of more than half its territory created long-term political instability and resentment towards the U.S., affecting bilateral relations for years to come.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Mexican-American War period set a precedent for future American involvement in Latin America.
  • The outcomes of the Mexican-American War established a model for American intervention in Latin America, emphasizing military might and territorial acquisition underpinned by ideological justifications like Manifest Destiny. The war demonstrated that military conflict could be an effective means to achieve national interests, influencing later actions such as interventions in Cuba, Nicaragua, and other regions throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. This legacy reflects a pattern of expansionist policies that shaped U.S. foreign relations well into modern history.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo:

The treaty that ended the Mexican-American War in 1848, resulting in Mexico ceding over half of its territory to the U.S.

Bear Flag Revolt:

A rebellion in 1846 by American settlers in California against Mexican rule, which contributed to the state's eventual incorporation into the U.S.