Write an essay on the Mexican American war being justified? Include different perspectives and historical accurate facts
Title: Examining the Mexican-American War: A Justified Conflict from Different Perspectives
Introduction:
The Mexican-American War, spanning from 1846 to 1848, ignited heated debates about its justification from various perspectives. Historically, this war has been perceived as a controversial event, with viewpoints differing radically. This essay aims to explore both sides of the argument, presenting historical facts to establish the justification of the conflict, from both Mexican and American perspectives.
American Perspective:
From an American perspective, the Mexican-American War was viewed as justified based on several significant reasons. Firstly, it was driven by the idea of manifest destiny, the belief that it was America's divine mission to spread democracy and capitalism across the continent. This concept heightened a sense of duty in the American people to annex Texas and expand westward.
Furthermore, after Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836, the Mexican government continuously disputed the border. Mexico’s refusal to recognize the independence of Texas further fueled American aggression, as they saw it as an infringement on their sovereignty. Consequently, when the United States agreed to annex Texas in 1845, this caused tension, eventually leading to military confrontation.
Moreover, it is important to acknowledge the historical context of the time. Americans, who had previously fought for their independence from Britain, believed it was their duty to support independence movements worldwide. Their support for Texas was seen as defending the principles they held dear, much like in their own revolution. Thus, for many Americans, the war was a justifiable means to ensure the rightful independence and protection of American settlers.
Mexican Perspective:
From a Mexican perspective, the war was seen as an unjustified aggression by the United States. According to Mexico, the annexation of Texas was an illegal act and a violation of their territorial sovereignty. The Mexican government considered Texas as a rebellious province and objected to its annexation, considering it their duty to regain control of the territory.
Furthermore, Mexico firmly believed that the border disputes, which ultimately led to the war, were a result of American expansionism and ambition. From their viewpoint, the United States unjustly sought to expand their territorial holdings, disregarding Mexican sovereignty. Consequently, Mexico saw the American invasion of their territory as an unwarranted act of aggression.
Historical Facts:
It is crucial to review neutral historical facts to further understand the justification of the Mexican-American War. On one hand, the United States had offered to purchase Mexican territories, including California and New Mexico, but were denied by Mexico. This rejection led to heightened tensions between the two nations.
On the other hand, Mexico's lack of effective governance, internal instability, and weak military infrastructure made its position vulnerable. American forces capitalized on these weaknesses, occupying important Mexican cities such as Mexico City itself. The Mexican-American War exposed the internal weaknesses of Mexico's government, leading to significant political changes within the nation.
Conclusion:
The Mexican-American War, as a consequential conflict, provides a nuanced perspective from both sides. From an American viewpoint, it was justified due to the concept of manifest destiny, the defense of American settlers, and the continuous border disputes. Conversely, Mexico perceived it as an unjust aggression against its territorial sovereignty. Neutral historical facts tell a story of territorial ambitions, weak Mexican governance, and an opportunity seized by American forces. Ultimately, understanding both perspectives allows for a comprehensive analysis of the motives, complexities, and consequences surrounding the Mexican-American War.