mexican-american War Portfolio Directions
Directions: For this portfolio project, you will evaluate whether the Mexican-American War was justified.
Description
You have been reading about the war between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848. It sprang out of a dispute between two countries over the southern border of Texas. The U.S. claimed the Rio Grande as the border, while Mexico claimed the Nueves River farther north. Each based its claim, in part, on agreements made at the end of the Texas war for independence, which ended in 1836. Each also based its claim on nationalism, or national self-interest, and a desire to expand its territory. For this portfolio project, you will explore different perspectives regarding the Mexican-American War. You will then present your findings in a short essay. Your final product will describe each point of view. It should give historically accurate facts. Your portfolio assignment has four steps:
1. Research the Mexican-American War—its causes, the course of the conflict, and its results.
2. Examine the Pearson Realize Civic Discussion Sources A–E for additional information.
3. Analyze your research.
4. Form your judgment and write your essay.
Step 1
Conduct the following research to complete your assignment:
Research
Source of Information
List basic facts about the root of the conflict—include who, what, when, where, and why.
Describe the Texans’ actions—how Texas came to exist.
List some differences between the Texan and Mexican perspectives.
Describe the beginnings of the conflict.
Describe the course of the war and its results.
Root of the conflict:
- The conflict between the United States and Mexico stemmed from a dispute over the southern border of Texas.
- The U.S. claimed the Rio Grande as the border, while Mexico claimed the Nueces River farther north.
- The disagreements were based on agreements made at the end of the Texas war for independence in 1836.
Texans' actions:
- Texas came to exist through a series of events involving American settlers and the Mexican government.
- American settlers began migrating to the Mexican territory of Texas in the early 1820s under a Mexican colonization policy.
- As the number of American settlers grew, tensions arose between them and the Mexican government due to cultural differences and conflicting political views.
- In 1835, Texians (American settlers in Texas) rebelled against Mexican rule and established the Republic of Texas.
Differences between Texan and Mexican perspectives:
- Texians saw themselves as defenders of liberty and believed that they had the right to self-governance.
- Mexicans saw the Texian rebellion as an act of treason and considered Texas as part of their territory.
Beginnings of the conflict:
- In 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico, which the Mexican government did not recognize.
- The United States recognized Texas as an independent nation in 1837, but Mexico refused to accept this.
Course of the war and its results:
- In 1845, the United States annexed Texas as a state, which further strained relations between the two nations.
- As a result, Mexico broke diplomatic relations with the U.S.
- In April 1846, a skirmish occurred between American and Mexican troops along the Rio Grande, leading to the outbreak of war.
- The war lasted for two years and resulted in U.S. military victories and the occupation of Mexico City.
- The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848, ending the war and resulting in Mexico ceding vast territories to the United States, including California, Texas, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.
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You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Good luck with your portfolio project!
To complete your portfolio project on whether the Mexican-American War was justified, you will need to follow the provided instructions and conduct research on the topic. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to proceed:
Step 1: Research the Mexican-American War
Start by gathering information about the Mexican-American War. You should focus on its causes, the course of the conflict, and its results. Look for reliable sources such as books, articles, or reputable websites to gather accurate information.
Source of Information:
You can consult various sources such as history textbooks, academic journals, or online databases like JSTOR or Google Scholar. Ensure that the information you find is from credible and authoritative sources.
List basic facts about the root of the conflict:
Include who (the United States and Mexico), what (the disputed southern border of Texas), when (1846-1848), where (mainly in the territory of modern-day Mexico, Texas, and California), and why (disagreements over the border, nationalist ambitions, and territorial expansion).
Describe the Texans' actions:
Explore how Texas came to exist. This includes the history of Texas becoming an independent republic in 1836 after the Texas Revolution and its subsequent annexation by the United States in 1845.
List some differences between the Texan and Mexican perspectives:
Highlight the different viewpoints of Texans and Mexicans regarding the disputed border. This could involve examining their claims based on historical agreements, nationalism, and territorial aspirations.
Describe the beginnings of the conflict:
Explain the events or incidents that led to the outbreak of the war. This could include acts of aggression, diplomatic tensions, or military confrontations between the United States and Mexico.
Describe the course of the war and its results:
Outline the major military campaigns, battles, and significant events that occurred during the Mexican-American War. Also, discuss the outcome and consequences of the war, such as the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the conflict and resulted in the annexation of territories by the United States.
Step 2: Examine the Pearson Realize Civic Discussion Sources A-E
Review the provided sources, labeled A-E, available on Pearson Realize for additional information. These sources could provide insights from different perspectives and further enhance your understanding of the Mexican-American War.
Step 3: Analyze your research
After gathering the necessary information, take time to analyze and critically evaluate the different perspectives, causes, and outcomes of the war. Consider various factors such as political, economic, and social aspects that influenced both the United States and Mexico in their actions during the conflict.
Step 4: Form your judgment and write your essay
Based on your research, analysis, and understanding, form your own judgment on whether the Mexican-American War was justified. Take into account multiple viewpoints, historical context, and ethical considerations. Then, structure your essay logically and support your arguments with evidence and examples. Make sure to include historically accurate facts and provide proper citations for your sources.
Remember to proofread your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammar before submitting your portfolio project.
Good luck with your research and essay!