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.

Question

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)

Answer 1

The U.S. justification for going to war with Mexico was based on the claim that Mexico had invaded U.S. territory. This claim was disputed by Mexico, who argued that the U.S. had provoked the conflict. Ultimately, the U.S. declared war and invaded Mexico. Whether or not the U.S. was justified in going to war with Mexico is a matter of opinion. Some argue that the U.S. was justified in defending its territory, while others argue that the U.S. was wrong to invade a sovereign nation. Ultimately, the decision to go to war was a complex one, and it is up to the individual to decide whether or not the U.S. was justified in going to war with Mexico.