The Mexican-American War Essay - 870 Words

Regardless of the decade or the country a person lives in, there seems to be a reckless disregard for the toll a war can take on human lives. When the Alamo was fought back in February 1836, it was about the independence of Texas from Mexico. In retaliation of the death and destruction of human life, Sam Houston retaliated in April and killed 630 Mexican soldiers and took General Santa Anna prisoner (Tindall Shi, 2010). This was the start of the independence of Texas and the quest for annexation into the United States, which ultimately led to the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848. This paper will briefly explain the reasons for the Mexican-American War and will describe the outcome of the war. The Reasons Numerous reasons can be†¦show more content†¦The belief was that America had a God-given right, or destiny, to expand the country’s border from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean (Lee, 2011). Tension arose between the US and Mexico in 1846 after an attempt to purchase the California and New Mexico Territories was rebuffed over a border dispute. In Texas, the situation worsened when the southern border was disputed. Mexico claimed the border at the Nueces River, while Texas claimed the border at the Rio Grande. President Polk wanted to goad the Mexicans into a conflict to obtain Texas while also securing New Mexico and California, however; it was essential that Mexico commence it (Tindall Shi, 2010). On May 9, 1846 the Mexicans attacked US soldiers, President Polk’s scheme worked. On May 13, 1846 President Polk signed the declaration of war. The Mexican-American War had begun. The Outcome With no actual war plan, the Mexican war was fought on four fronts – southern Texas, central Mexico, New Mexico, and California (Tindall Shi, 2010). The military on both sides were ill prepared for fighting the war. The US Army consisted of roughly 7,000 soldiers, while the Mexican forces consisted of 32,000 soldiers. By the time the war was over the number had risen to 104,000 American forces. Some were volunteers for six and 12 month enlistments. General Taylor, who would eventually become President of the United States in 1849, became popular with the two victories north of the RioShow MoreRelatedThe Mexican American War Essay1223 Words   |  5 PagesUnited States of America has been through many wars, wars concerning many things such as land oil, pride and respect. However, when the United States went to war with Mexico, it was planned over greed. The Mexican- American war was a war provoked by the United States, in efforts to expand the coasts of the countr y. Mexico was a small under privileged country who had previously to the war had already lost part of their country (Texas). Needless to say this war was cut throat and violent, it was howeverRead MoreEssay on The Mexican-American War1466 Words   |  6 PagesThe Mexican-American war determined the destiny of the United States of America, it determined whether or not it would become a world power and it established the size of the United States of America. Perhaps the war was inevitable due to the idea of Manifest Destiny - Americans thought they had the divine right to extend their territory. The Mexican-American War started mainly because of the annexation of the Republic of Texas (established in 1836 after breaking away from Mexico). The United StatesRead MoreEssay The Mexican-American War1216 Words   |  5 PagesThe Mexican-American War. The Mexican-American war was a process of years of battles between the Mexicans and Americans but I think after this informational paper, you’ll seem to know a little bit more knowledge about it. 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The War of 1812 involves plenty of naval battles and a few major land battles, while the Mexican-American War involves numerous land battles and few, if any, naval battles. However there are numerous similarities. The War of 1812, The US saw Great Britain as a major problem because of their definition of contraband and the impressment of American sailors into the British Navy. And around this time theRead MoreEssay about The Mexican War as an Exercise in American Imperialism1152 Words   |  5 PagesThe Mexican War as an Exercise in American Imperialism The US government believed firmly in the doctrine of Manifest destiny, the government argued that they had the right and duty to expand through North American because it was necessary and inevitable. 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