The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico that lasted from 1846 to 1848, primarily driven by the U.S. desire to expand its territory. This war was fueled by tensions over the annexation of Texas, which had gained independence from Mexico in 1836, and issues surrounding the border between the two nations. The outcome significantly altered the geography of North America, leading to the acquisition of present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.
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The war officially began on April 25, 1846, when Mexican forces attacked U.S. troops in disputed territory along the Rio Grande.
U.S. President James K. Polk was a strong proponent of expansionism and played a crucial role in initiating the conflict.
Key battles during the war included the Battle of Palo Alto, Battle of Monterrey, and the Siege of Veracruz.
The conflict resulted in significant loss of life and resources on both sides, with estimates of U.S. military casualties around 13,000 due to combat and disease.
The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848, which resulted in Mexico ceding over half its territory to the United States.
Review Questions
How did the annexation of Texas contribute to rising tensions between the United States and Mexico leading up to the Mexican-American War?
The annexation of Texas heightened tensions as it was seen by Mexico as a direct violation of their sovereignty since Texas had declared independence only a decade earlier. The U.S. viewed Texas as a vital addition to its territory, driven by expansionist ideals like Manifest Destiny. This disagreement over land ownership and sovereignty contributed significantly to the outbreak of conflict between the two nations.
Evaluate the impact of Manifest Destiny on American public opinion regarding the Mexican-American War.
Manifest Destiny played a crucial role in shaping American public opinion by framing westward expansion as a divine right and duty. This ideology fostered widespread support for territorial expansion and justified aggressive actions against Mexico. Many Americans believed that expanding across North America would spread democracy and civilization, further galvanizing support for the war despite its ethical implications regarding Mexican sovereignty.
Discuss how the outcomes of the Mexican-American War influenced subsequent events in U.S. history and territorial policies.
The outcomes of the Mexican-American War had lasting effects on U.S. history, particularly through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which added vast territories that fueled debates over slavery's expansion. This intensified sectional tensions between North and South, contributing to events leading up to the Civil War. The new territories also sparked various movements for statehood and ultimately shaped U.S. policies towards Native American populations and immigration as Americans moved westward.
The belief that American expansion across the continent was both justified and inevitable, which played a key role in motivating U.S. actions during the war.
Annexation of Texas: The process by which Texas became a state in the U.S. in 1845, following its independence from Mexico, leading to increased tensions that contributed to the outbreak of war.