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:
Research the Mexican-American War—its causes, the course of the conflict, and its results.
Examine the Pearson Realize Civic Discussion Sources A–E for additional information.
Analyze your research.
Form your judgment and write your essay.
Title: Perspectives on the Mexican-American War (1846-1848)
Introduction:
The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico that arose from a territorial dispute over the southern border of Texas. This essay explores the various perspectives surrounding the causes, course of the conflict, and its results, examining both the factual grounds and the nationalist motivations of each side.
Causes of the War:
The core cause of the Mexican-American War can be traced back to differing interpretations of the Texas war for independence, which ended in 1836. Mexico claimed the Nueces River as the border, while the United States insisted on the Rio Grande as the boundary. The American perspective was based on the Treaties of Velasco, signed by both Texas and Santa Anna, which recognized the Rio Grande as the southern boundary. Conversely, Mexico argued that these treaties were invalid due to Santa Anna signing them while a prisoner, hence considering the Nueces River as the legitimate border. This diverging interpretation fueled tensions and eventually resulted in armed conflict.
Course of the Conflict:
The conflict officially commenced in 1846 when American troops engaged Mexican forces at the disputed border region. The United States launched a three-pronged attack, targeting northern Mexico, Monterrey, and Mexico City. The initial American offensive was met with initial successes due to superior training, technology, and the strategic leadership of figures like General Zachary Taylor and General Winfield Scott. Mexico, on the other hand, struggled with internal divisions, limited resources, and a lack of proper training and equipment.
Results of the War:
The Mexican-American War had profound consequences for both nations. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, solidified the United States' victory. The agreement established the Rio Grande as the official border, resulting in Mexico losing significant territory, including present-day California, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming. In return, the United States paid Mexico $15 million dollars, assumed approximately $3.25 million dollars in Mexican debts, and agreed to protect the rights of Mexican citizens residing in the annexed territories. This drastic territorial loss deeply impacted Mexico, exacerbating internal political and social turmoil.
Perspectives:
1. American Perspective:
From the American perspective, the war was necessary to establish the rightful border and protect American interests and citizens. The belief in Manifest Destiny, or the belief in American's divine right to expand westward, further fueled the desire for territorial expansion. Many Americans saw the Mexican government as unstable and inefficient, necessitating intervention to bring about progress and stability. Additionally, the discovery of gold in California further underscored the economic motivations behind American expansion.
2. Mexican Perspective:
From the Mexican perspective, the war was a blatant act of aggression and plunder by the United States. Mexico viewed the annexation of Texas as an illegal act following their own struggle for independence. They perceived the American invasion as a violation of their territorial integrity and sovereignty. Within Mexico, there were disputes between political factions regarding how to respond to the American threat, exacerbating the internal divisions and weakness that the United States would exploit.
Conclusion:
The Mexican-American War was a complex conflict rooted in differing interpretations of the Texas war for independence and nationalist motivations from both the United States and Mexico. The American perspective emphasized territorial expansion, self-interest, and the principle of Manifest Destiny. Meanwhile, Mexico saw the war as an unjust aggression violating its territorial integrity. The outcome of the war favored the United States, resulting in Mexico's significant territorial losses, exacerbating internal instability and further shaping the historical narratives of both nations.