Write a short essay, explaining whether or not the Mexican-American War was justified.
Requirements
Length: at least 1 paragraph (6+ sentences), but no more than 300 words. In-text citations count towards the word limit.
The argument you will make: The Mexican-American War was justified. OR The Mexican-American War was not justified. Pick only one side.
Evidence: Use 2 different sources to support your argument. Quotes should be no longer than 40 words each.
Citations: Use in-text citations for every quote. Use this format: (Last Name, Year). Do not include URLS and full APA citations in this answer box.
Analysis: At least 60% of your essay should be your original thoughts. Your analysis should build on, but not repeat, the quotes you use as evidence.
The Mexican-American War was not justified. It was an unjust invasion of Mexico by the United States, driven by expansionist motivations and fueled by a desire for territorial expansion. Historian Howard Zinn argues that the war was an attempt by the United States to obtain more land and resources, stating, "The war against Mexico was an act of American aggression, based on false claims of Mexican provocation" (Zinn, 1980). The United States government claimed that Mexico had attacked American troops, but this was a fabricated justification for their invasion. Furthermore, the United States had already annexed Texas, which Mexico considered a part of its territory. As historian John Schroeder notes, "The annexation of Texas by the United States…was considered an act of aggression by Mexico" (Schroeder, 1998). The war resulted in the loss of Mexican lives and territory, significantly impacting the indigenous populations of Mexico. It was a clear example of imperialism, with the United States imposing its power and dominance over Mexico.
Moreover, the war also highlighted the racist attitudes of the United States towards Mexico and its people. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the war, forced Mexico to cede nearly half of its territory to the United States, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. This land grab was seen as a blatant act of aggression and racial superiority. As scholar Patricia Limerick observes, "Even the most casual observer of the Mexican-American War could not help but notice the remarkable racial anxiety that riddled the rhetoric of American authors" (Limerick, 1993). The war perpetuated harmful stereotypes and discrimination towards Mexicans and contributed to the marginalization of Mexican-Americans in the United States.
In conclusion, the Mexican-American War was not justified. It was an act of aggression motivated by expansionism and racial superiority. It resulted in the loss of Mexican lives and land, perpetuated harmful stereotypes, and fueled discrimination towards Mexicans. The war serves as a reminder of the dark history of imperialism and the injustices inflicted upon the indigenous people of Mexico.