The Mexican War Essay Research Paper IntroductionBeginning

The Mexican War Essay, Research Paper

Introduction

Beginning in 1845 and ending in 1850 a series of events took place that would come to be known as the Mexican war and the Texas Revolution. This paper will give an overview on not only the events that occurred (battles, treaties, negotiations, ect.) But also the politics and reasoning behind it all. This was a war that involved America and Mexico fighting over Texas. That was the base for the entire ordeal. This series of events contained some of the most dramatic war strategy that has ever been implemented.

What Caused This War.

In 1845 the U.S attempted to Annex Texas. Basically America wanted Texas to become one of the states rather then and independent nation by itself. At this time Texas was an independent nation that was not a part of America or Mexico. Mexico wanted to keep Texas neutral if not a part of its own country. When the U.S attempted to annex Texas Mexico became outraged, “ In November 1843 Mexico had warned that if the United States should commit the ‘unheard-of aggression’ of seizing an integral part of ‘Mexican territory’ Mexico would declare war ” (Bound for the Rio Grande, 62). Despite the warning the U.S attempted to annex Texas. In doing so Mexico retaliated by breaking off all diplomatic relations with the U.S. Mexico felt that the U.S was insulting them by not taking them seriously when they threatened with war. So at this point America showed a very large interest in possessing Texas. America was very close to actually acquiring Texas when they made their first mistake in the war.

The U.S requested the also be given the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande was south of Texas and clearly belonged to Mexico (refer to figure 1). The U.S felt that the Rio Grande was part of Texas and should be given to the U.S with Texas. Mexico would not give up the Rio Grande because they were certain that the Rio Grande belonged to them. America’s greed is THE major reason this conflict occurred. The U.S also believed the Mexico should have to pay for any of the U.S’s debts that were incurred during Mexico’s conflicts with Spain. America was in debt 3 million dollars because of the Mexico and Spanish conflicts and America very strongly believed that these debts were Mexico’s fault and they should have to pay for them. Mexico felt like it was Americas fault that they had to pay anything and they [Mexico] should not have to pay “ Mexico felt no obligation to pay and they felt as though America was attempting to use them as a source of income” (The Texas Military Experience, Website)

These are all legitimate reasons for this war to occur but they did not have the effect of “Manifest Destiny”. During this time in American history America had the growing feeling of Manifest Destiny. This was the desire to expand westward. This westward movement brought many Americans into Mexican territory. At this time Mexico controlled California and most of the southern portions of the western territories. Mexico’s problem was that even though they possessed these territories they did not have a population and large enough Military force to control them. They were unable to dictate or populate the territories so America basically took them over without a fight. Mexico was very frustrated with this predicament they were in, too much territory not enough men to control it.

Some Events Leading Up to the War

The tension was mounting between the U.S and Mexico. Some people could see war in the future but U.S President James K. Polk was in charge of this situation. He decided to use avoid taking these territories by force and try to buy them from Mexico.

President Polk sent John Slidell to buy New Mexico and California for 25 million dollars. In this deal the U.S would allow Mexico to keep the Rio Grande and the U.S would withdraw and troops from Mexican territories. The President of Mexico at this time was Santa Anna. Santa Anna was infuriated with the U.S at this point in time and he refused to see Slidell about negotiating the territories. So John Slidell returned to President Polk without ever having seen Santa Anna. So President Polk went with “Plan B” and started Mobilizing Troops. He ordered major Zachary Taylor to advance towards the Rio Grande. Major Taylor was given 4,000 men for his campaign. On April 25th, 1846 a party of Mexican Soldiers surprised and defeated a small group of Major Taylor’s cavalry just north of the Rio Grande. After this President Polk approached Congress with the suggestion of declaring war on Mexico, after Congress heard about the slaughter of the American cavalry they agreed with Polk. On May 13th, 1846 the U.S declared war on Mexico.

Great Leaders in the War

The first of many great leaders in this conflict would have to be President James Polk (see figure 2). He was president when the United States achieved its greatest territorial growth. During his presidency, the American flag was raised over most of the area now forming nine Western States, and Texas became a member of the Union. Polk successfully directed the Mexican War, which won much of this territory. He carried out every item of his political program “Of all other American presidents, only George Washington had such a clear record of success ” (world book Polk). After President Polk, would be General Zachary Taylor (see figure 3). His courage and leadership made him