Mexican-American War

Definition

The Mexican-American War was a conflict fought between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily over territorial disputes and the expansion of the United States. This war was rooted in the idea of Manifest Destiny, which held that Americans were destined to expand across the continent, leading to significant territorial gains for the U.S., including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war officially began on April 25, 1846, when Mexican troops attacked U.S. forces stationed near the Rio Grande.
2. Key battles included the Battle of Palo Alto, Battle of Buena Vista, and the Siege of Veracruz, showcasing significant U.S. military strategies.
3. The conflict ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848, which resulted in Mexico ceding approximately 500,000 square miles of territory to the U.S.
4. The war intensified debates over slavery in newly acquired territories, contributing to sectional tensions leading up to the Civil War.
5. Notable figures involved included General Zachary Taylor and General Winfield Scott, both of whom became prominent military leaders during the war.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of Manifest Destiny influence the events and motivations behind the Mexican-American War?
  • Manifest Destiny was a driving ideology behind U.S. expansionism in the mid-19th century, suggesting that it was America's divine right to expand its territory across North America. This belief spurred many Americans to support military action against Mexico when disputes over Texas and other territories arose. The idea fostered a sense of entitlement among Americans to claim land they believed was theirs by right, making conflict with Mexico seem justifiable.
• Discuss the consequences of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and how it reshaped U.S.-Mexico relations.
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo had profound implications for both countries. By ceding a vast amount of territory to the United States, it significantly expanded U.S. land holdings and fueled further westward expansion. However, it also left deep resentment in Mexico and set a precedent for future conflicts between the two nations. This treaty laid the groundwork for contentious relations regarding border issues and cultural integration for years to come.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Mexican-American War contributed to escalating tensions over slavery in America and shaped the political landscape leading up to the Civil War.
  • The aftermath of the Mexican-American War brought forward critical debates about whether new territories should permit slavery or be free states. The acquisition of land raised questions about maintaining a balance between free and slave states in Congress, contributing to rising sectional tensions. Events such as the Compromise of 1850 attempted to address these issues but ultimately failed to prevent conflict. The war's consequences highlighted divisions that would lead directly into the Civil War, as both sides grappled with issues of state rights, slavery, and territorial governance.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The treaty signed in 1848 that ended the Mexican-American War, resulting in Mexico ceding a large portion of its territory to the United States.

Bear Flag Revolt: A rebellion in 1846 by American settlers in California against Mexican rule, which contributed to the U.S. claim over California during the Mexican-American War.