The Influence Of The Mexican-American War

The Mexican–American War, also known as the Mexican War, was an armed conflict between the United States of America and the United Mexican States from 1846 to 1848. The Mexican War between the United States and Mexico started from the annexation of Texas in 1845. The war resulted in the United States’ acquisition of more than 500,000 square miles of Mexican territory extending westward from the Rio Grande to the Pacific Ocean America’s dedication of War on Mexico. There were many pros and conflicts following this war, which will be the main focus of this paper.

The Mexican-American War changed the Unites States of America in a monumental way. This war changed The U.S.A.’s relationship with foreign powers and the economic standpoint of the nation. The Mexican- American war, and its strong ties to manifest destiny, shaped the nation in a country bordered by two seas with a chance for common folk and foreigners to have a sustainable life due to the gold rush. The war can also be accounted for the downfall leading to the Civil War over the conflict of slavery due to the land purchased in the wars treaty. Conflict between Mexico and the United States began when Texas, previously part of Mexico, became part of the United States.

Mexican American War “... May the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend on our countries peace and prosperity…” -James K. Polk. What our 11th president meant by this is that we need to maintain good relations to bring success as this is the opposite of what Mexico wanted. In 1845, many Americans believed in manifest destiny which was the belief that the United States was destined to stretch from coast to coast. As this idea scattered through America, citizens of the U.S. spread with it.

Unlike the viewpoint of Americans, Mexicans did not view the annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War justifiable. Americans did not have the right to invade in Mexico. Many politicians in the United States proclaimed that they should expand their territory by the annexation of Texas and Mexico. Americans justified the annexation with the idea of “Manifest Destiny”, an expression of idealized justification on the part of Americans that they have the God-given right to civilize all the nations.

In life everything can be either justified or unjustified. Sometimes when things happen they can come out being unjustified according to some people and justified according to other. When that happens there is normally a huge argument about it. In 1812 Mexico gained its independence from Spain and in 1836 Texas won its independence from Mexico. There was a huge war in 1812 but it wasn't a very controversial war, the Mexican-American war was way more controversial.

With westward expansion becoming more popular, and with people thinking it was their manifest destiny-or God given fate to go west, populations increased. But conflict arose with our southern neighbor Mexico. This conflict could’ve been prevented, or resolved, but instead it grew worse. This conflict is often called the “Mexican American War” but in Mexico it is called the “US Invasion”. On April 24th, 1836 63 American men and officers went just south of the Rio Grande when Mexico attacked.

Benito Juarez was the 26th President of Mexico. Señor Juarez did a lot for the well being of Mexico, such as stopping the French in Mexico, stopping the Second Mexican Empire, modernizing the country, and other great deeds. Benito Juarez also was a lawyer and a governor before becoming president. President Juarez helped Mexico stop the interference of the French in Mexico.

“A house divided against itself cannot stand -- I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free” (Riggs 1). In the 1850’s the North’s economy and the South’s economy were very different from each other. The North relied on industries and had no need for slavery. While the South mostly relied on agriculture and slavery. After many disagreements over slavery it led to the Civil War.

During the nineteenth century the U.S was immersed in the era called the Industrial Revolution and there were many negative aspects that came with innovation. A combination of negative aspects of the industrial revolution including economic instability (Booms and Busts), job insecurity, and dangerous work conditions led to the creation of gatherings of workers called labor unions. This century was known for two main national labor unions, the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor. The first national union was the Knights of Labor it was founded in 1869 by Uriah Stephens. The Knights of Labor were the first union to organize skilled, unskilled, men, women, white, and black workers.

“The Crucible of Empire: The Spanish-American War” documentary explain how the U.S got involved in a war that was between Spain and Cuba. Cuba wanted their independences from Spain. They wanted to have power over their own government and not stand under Spain which they have been for many decades. President William McKinley didn’t want the U.S to get between the two because he felt the U.S must avoid the temptation of territorial aggression. No everyone felt the same way as him, assistant secretary of the navy Teddy Roosevelt thought that a war with Spain over Cuba would make U.S a world power.

Essay Outline Topic: Mexican-American War Attention Grabber: Why would this ever start? Would there be a truce between the war? Did it almost start again?