why did the united states win the Mexican-american war?why was the victory a surprise to many European governments?
The United States won the Mexican-American War primarily due to several factors, including military strategy, technological advancements, and a combination of political and economic advantages.
Firstly, the United States had a superior military strategy implemented by generals such as Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott. They executed successful campaigns that utilized tactics like quick mobility, surprise attacks, and coordinated advancements. These approaches allowed the American forces to gain the upper hand on multiple fronts.
Secondly, the United States had technological advantages. During this time, the United States had developed more advanced weapons, particularly in terms of artillery and firearms. They possessed a better-equipped and more disciplined army, which played a significant role in their successes on the battlefield.
Furthermore, the United States had certain political and economic advantages over Mexico. The U.S. possessed a larger population, a well-organized government, a strong economy, and greater industrial capacity compared to Mexico. These factors allowed the United States to sustain and effectively support their military efforts throughout the conflict.
Regarding the surprise to many European governments, it is important to understand the context of the time. The Mexican-American War took place from 1846 to 1848, a period when information traveled slowly across vast distances. News of the war and its progress took weeks or even months to reach Europe.
Additionally, many European governments underestimated the strength and capabilities of the United States. They viewed the U.S. as a relatively new and emerging country, without fully recognizing its military potential and power. Therefore, the scale of the U.S. victory came as a surprise to many European governments, who had anticipated a more protracted conflict or even a Mexican victory.
In summary, the United States won the Mexican-American War due to a combination of superior military strategy, technological advancements, and political and economic advantages. The surprise to many European governments stemmed from their underestimation of the United States and lack of timely information about the progress of the war.