In 1846, the United States went to war with Mexico. Like several wars the United States has fought, this war had its strong supporters and its critics. Compared to the Civil War, which was fought just fifteen years later, the Mexican War seems like a small thing. But it was not; thousands of Mexicans and Americans died, and half the country of Mexico was taken by the United States as a war prize.
This activity asks a simple question: was the U.S. justified in going to war with Mexico?
In one to two well written paragraphs (5-7 sentences each), answer this question:
Was the U.S. justified in going to war against Mexico?
(Justified: to have a good reason for your actions; to be right in your actions)
This is an argumentative writing exercise. Your writing should include a thesis statement in which you clearly state your opinion, and your paragraphs should include evidence from the documents that support your opinion. Your response should be typed.
Thesis Statement: The United States was not justified in going to war against Mexico, as the reasons behind the war were fueled by expansionist ambitions and the desire to acquire new territories, rather than a legitimate threat or self-defense.
Paragraph 1:
The primary motivation for the United States to go to war against Mexico was rooted in expansionist ambitions and the desire to acquire new territories. President Polk's administration, under the guise of Manifest Destiny, sought to extend the country's borders from coast to coast. This is evident in the policies pursued, such as the annexation of Texas, the rejection of Mexico's peaceful proposals, and the provocation of Mexican troops on disputed land. These actions demonstrate a deliberate effort to manufacture a pretext for war in order to achieve territorial gains.
Paragraph 2:
Furthermore, there was no legitimate threat or self-defense justification for the United States to initiate a war against Mexico. Mexico's response to the annexation of Texas should have been dealt with diplomatically rather than through military force. The United States' overwhelming military superiority and their aggressive actions indicate a disproportionate use of force in relation to any perceived threat. Additionally, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the war, favored the United States and resulted in the acquisition of Mexican territory, reinforcing the argument that the war was driven by expansionist ambitions rather than justifiable self-defense.
In conclusion, the United States was not justified in going to war against Mexico. The war was a result of expansionist ambitions, rather than a legitimate threat or act of self-defense. The events leading up to the war, including the annexation of Texas and the provocative actions taken by the United States, demonstrate a deliberate effort to acquire Mexican territories. Therefore, the actions taken by the United States in the Mexican War cannot be justified on the grounds of being right or having a valid reason.