4.1 Causes and events of the Mexican-American War
3 min read•july 22, 2024
The Mexican-American War, sparked by territorial disputes and ideological clashes, reshaped North America's map. The U.S., driven by , annexed Texas and pushed for westward expansion, while Mexico fought to maintain its sovereignty and land.
Key battles like Palo Alto and the led to U.S. victory. The war's aftermath saw the U.S. gain vast territories, intensifying slavery debates, while Mexico lost half its land, facing political and economic turmoil.
Causes of the Mexican-American War
Causes of Mexican-American War
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- Territorial disputes between the United States and Mexico
- of Texas by the United States in 1845 heightened tensions as Mexico still considered Texas a breakaway province
- Disagreement over the boundary between Texas and Mexico fueled conflict, with the U.S. claiming the Rio Grande as the border while Mexico insisted on the Nueces River
- Ideological differences and conflicting worldviews
- Manifest Destiny, the belief in the United States' divine right to expand westward and spread democracy, clashed with Mexican resistance to U.S. expansionism
- Mexico viewed U.S. actions as a direct threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, leading to increased hostilities
Key events in Mexican-American War
- (May 8, 1846) marked the first major engagement of the war, with U.S. forces under General defeating Mexican troops
- (September 21-24, 1846) by U.S. forces under General Taylor after a hard-fought three-day battle
- (February 22-23, 1847) saw Mexican forces under General launch an attack on U.S. troops, but ultimately face defeat
- (March 9-29, 1847) by U.S. forces under General following a prolonged siege of the city
- (April 18, 1847) resulted in a decisive U.S. victory under General Scott, opening the way to Mexico City
- Capture of Mexico City (September 14, 1847) by U.S. forces under General Scott effectively ended major combat operations and led to the conclusion of the war
Impact of Mexican-American War
- Political impact on the United States
- Acquisition of vast territories (present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming) through the
- Intensification of the debate over the expansion of slavery in new territories, with the Wilmot Proviso proposing to ban slavery and the Compromise of 1850 attempting to address the issue
- Political impact on Mexico
- Loss of nearly half of its pre-war territory, leading to and internal struggles in the aftermath of the war
- Social and economic impact on the United States
- Population growth and westward migration, spurred by events like the (1848) following the discovery of gold
- Incorporation of new territories and the growth of the nation's economy as a result of expanded resources and land
- Social and economic impact on Mexico
- and citizens in ceded territories, leading to social upheaval and economic hardship
- Economic strain due to the loss of valuable resources and territory, hindering Mexico's development and stability in the post-war period
Prominent figures in Mexican-American War
- President played a crucial role in the war
- Believed in Manifest Destiny and actively pursued U.S. expansion
- Sent troops to the disputed Texas-Mexico border, which precipitated the outbreak of the war
- Directed the overall war effort and negotiated the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo to end the conflict
- General Winfield Scott was a key military leader during the war
- Commanded the southern campaign, which aimed to capture Mexico City
- Successfully captured the port city of Veracruz and led the march to the Mexican capital
- Implemented a strategy of cutting Mexican supply lines and capturing key cities, ultimately leading to the fall of Mexico City and the end of major combat operations
Key Terms to Review (19)
American Expansionism: American expansionism refers to the policy and practice of territorial or economic expansion by the United States, particularly during the 19th century. This ideology was driven by a belief in Manifest Destiny, the idea that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. Expansionism played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and domestic politics, leading to events such as conflicts with neighboring nations and the annexation of territories.
Annexation: Annexation is the process of incorporating a territory into another political entity, often a country. This practice often occurs without the consent of the original inhabitants or government and is typically justified by claims of national interest or expansion. In the context of historical events, annexation has been a significant factor in shaping borders and power dynamics between nations.
Battle of Buena Vista: The Battle of Buena Vista was a significant conflict fought between February 22 and 23, 1847, during the Mexican-American War. This battle marked a turning point in the war, as American forces, led by General Zachary Taylor, faced a much larger Mexican army commanded by General Antonio López de Santa Anna. The outcome not only bolstered American morale but also played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the United States and furthering the expansionist ideology that characterized the era.
Battle of Cerro Gordo: The Battle of Cerro Gordo was a significant confrontation during the Mexican-American War, occurring from April 17 to 18, 1847. This battle marked a decisive victory for U.S. forces led by General Winfield Scott, as they successfully outflanked and defeated the Mexican army under General Antonio López de Santa Anna. The outcome of this battle paved the way for the U.S. capture of Mexico City, making it a critical event in the broader conflict between the two nations.
Battle of Palo Alto: The Battle of Palo Alto was the first major battle in the Mexican-American War, occurring on May 8, 1846, near present-day Brownsville, Texas. This battle marked a significant escalation in the conflict between the United States and Mexico, as it demonstrated the military might of U.S. forces and set the stage for subsequent confrontations. The outcome of this battle not only boosted American morale but also solidified U.S. military strategy during the war.
California Gold Rush: The California Gold Rush was a mass migration of an estimated 300,000 people to California from 1848 to 1855, triggered by the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill. This event not only transformed California's demographics and economy but also had profound effects on various cultural groups, political conflicts, and environmental conditions in the region.
Capture of Mexico City: The Capture of Mexico City refers to the successful seizure of the Mexican capital by U.S. forces during the Mexican-American War in September 1847. This event marked a significant turning point in the conflict, showcasing the military strength and strategy of American troops while leading to the eventual conclusion of hostilities and paving the way for territorial expansion in North America.
Capture of Monterrey: The Capture of Monterrey was a significant military engagement during the Mexican-American War, occurring in September 1846, where U.S. forces led by General Zachary Taylor successfully seized the city of Monterrey, Mexico. This event marked an important victory for the United States, solidifying its military presence in northern Mexico and escalating tensions that ultimately contributed to the war's expansion.
Capture of Veracruz: The Capture of Veracruz was a significant military engagement during the Mexican-American War, occurring in March 1847, where American forces led by General Winfield Scott successfully took control of the key port city of Veracruz. This event marked a crucial turning point in the war as it allowed American troops to establish a beachhead for further operations in Mexico and showcased the strength and strategy of the U.S. military against Mexican defenses.
Displacement of Mexican landowners: The displacement of Mexican landowners refers to the forced removal and loss of land experienced by Mexican citizens and landholders, particularly in California, due to American expansion and policies during the mid-19th century. This phenomenon was significantly tied to the territorial ambitions of the United States, culminating in the Mexican-American War, which led to the acquisition of large swaths of land previously owned by Mexicans, resulting in a profound social and economic upheaval for these communities.
Imperialism: Imperialism is the policy or practice by which a country extends its power and influence over other nations or territories, often through military force, colonization, or economic dominance. This concept is crucial to understanding the expansionist motives that fueled conflicts, such as the Mexican-American War, where the U.S. sought to expand its territory and influence in North America, leading to significant geopolitical changes and tensions with neighboring Mexico.
James K. Polk: James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. He is known for his aggressive expansionist policies, particularly regarding the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of territories through the Mexican-American War, which significantly shaped the future of the nation.
Manifest Destiny: Manifest Destiny is the 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This ideology played a crucial role in shaping American policies and actions, particularly in relation to territorial expansion, as it fueled ambitions that led to the Mexican-American War, encouraged uprisings like the Bear Flag Revolt, and ultimately influenced the terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and its far-reaching consequences.
Political Instability: Political instability refers to the frequent changes in government, social unrest, and the inability to maintain a consistent political order. It often leads to conflict, as differing factions vie for power, and can result in chaos or violence. In the context of territorial expansion and conflict, such as the events leading to the Mexican-American War, political instability was a crucial factor that shaped national policies and attitudes towards territorial acquisitions.
Santa Anna: Antonio López de Santa Anna was a Mexican general and politician who played a significant role in the early 19th century, especially during the Mexican-American War. Known for his leadership during key events such as the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, Santa Anna's actions and decisions were pivotal in shaping the conflict between Mexico and the United States, which ultimately led to significant territorial losses for Mexico.
Texas Annexation: Texas Annexation refers to the incorporation of the Republic of Texas into the United States as its 28th state in 1845. This event was significant as it heightened tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, contributing to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War. The annexation was driven by a mix of expansionist desires and the complex political situation surrounding slavery and manifest destiny.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was an agreement signed on February 2, 1848, that ended the Mexican-American War and resulted in Mexico ceding a vast portion of its northern territories to the United States. This treaty not only marked a significant territorial expansion for the U.S. but also set the stage for demographic changes and conflicts over land, resources, and rights in the newly acquired regions.
Winfield Scott: Winfield Scott was a prominent United States Army general and a key figure in the Mexican-American War, known for his leadership in military campaigns and his strategic innovations. His role was crucial in the early stages of the war, particularly in leading American forces to significant victories, which contributed to the eventual U.S. acquisition of vast territories. Scott's strategies and tactics were pivotal not only in Mexico but also established him as a military leader with lasting influence on American military doctrine.
Zachary Taylor: Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the United States, serving from 1849 until his death in 1850. A military hero from the Mexican-American War, he became a significant figure in the lead-up to the conflict and its subsequent events, including the Bear Flag Revolt. His presidency was marked by his attempts to maintain the balance between slave and free states amidst growing tensions over territorial expansion.