Was the mexican war justified?

Was the Mexican War Justified?

The Mexican-American War, fought from 1846 to 1848, was a pivotal moment in the history of the United States and Mexico. The war resulted in the U.S. gaining control of a significant amount of Mexican territory, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. The war was sparked by a complex web of events, including the annexation of Texas by the U.S., the desire to expand U.S. territory, and the U.S. government’s perception of Mexico’s weakness and instability.

Direct Answer: Was the Mexican War Justified?

The Mexican War was not justified in the classical sense. The U.S. government’s reasons for going to war were largely driven by a desire to expand U.S. territory and gain access to new markets and resources. The war was also marked by significant violations of international law and humanitarian principles.

Causes of the War

The Mexican War was sparked by a combination of factors, including:

• The Annexation of Texas: In 1845, the U.S. Congress voted to annex the Republic of Texas, which had declared its independence from Mexico in 1836. Mexico considered the annexation to be a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to its territorial integrity.
• The U.S. desire to expand territory: The U.S. had been expanding its territory through the Louisiana Purchase and the Adams-Onís Treaty, and many Americans believed that the U.S. had a right to expand further.
• The U.S. desire to gain access to new markets and resources: The U.S. wanted to gain access to Mexico’s rich agricultural lands, mineral resources, and trade routes.
• Mexico’s weakness and instability: Mexico was in a state of turmoil in the mid-19th century, with a weak government and frequent conflicts between different factions. The U.S. government saw this as an opportunity to gain control over Mexican territory.

Conduct of the War

The Mexican War was marked by significant violence and human rights abuses. Some of the key issues include:

• The Burning of Mexico City: In September 1847, U.S. troops led by General Winfield Scott invaded Mexico City and occupied the city. The city was left in ruins, and many civilians were killed or displaced.
• The Treatment of Mexican Prisoners: U.S. troops were known to mistreat Mexican prisoners, including denying them food, water, and medical care.
• The Use of Torture: U.S. troops were also accused of using torture to extract information from Mexican prisoners.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848. The treaty established the Rio Grande as the border between the U.S. and Mexico, and the U.S. gained control of a significant amount of Mexican territory.

Significance of the War

The Mexican War had significant consequences for both the U.S. and Mexico. Some of the key outcomes include:

• The Expansion of the U.S.: The war marked a significant expansion of the U.S. territory, which would continue to grow over the next century.
• The Impact on Native Americans: The war led to the displacement and violence against Native American tribes who lived in the newly acquired territories.
• The Impact on Mexico: The war had a devastating impact on Mexico, leading to the loss of a significant amount of territory and the displacement of many Mexicans.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Mexican War was not justified in the classical sense. The U.S. government’s reasons for going to war were largely driven by a desire to expand U.S. territory and gain access to new markets and resources. The war was also marked by significant violations of international law and humanitarian principles. The treaty that ended the war, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, established the Rio Grande as the border between the U.S. and Mexico and the U.S. gained control of a significant amount of Mexican territory. The war had significant consequences for both the U.S. and Mexico, including the expansion of the U.S. territory, the impact on Native Americans, and the impact on Mexico.

Table: Timeline of the Mexican War

Bullets List: Key Points

• The Mexican War was sparked by a combination of factors, including the annexation of Texas, the U.S. desire to expand territory, and the U.S. desire to gain access to new markets and resources.
• The war was marked by significant violence and human rights abuses, including the burning of Mexico City, the treatment of Mexican prisoners, and the use of torture.
• The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo established the Rio Grande as the border between the U.S. and Mexico and the U.S. gained control of a significant amount of Mexican territory.
• The war had significant consequences for both the U.S. and Mexico, including the expansion of the U.S. territory, the impact on Native Americans, and the impact on Mexico.