Was the U.S justified to go to war with Mexico?
The Mexican-American War was a pivotal event in American history, lasting from 1846 to 1848. The war saw the United States defeat the Mexican army, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which resulted in Mexico ceding a significant portion of its territory to the U.S.
The Spark of Conflict
The conflict began over a dispute about the location of the Rio Grande as the border between the United States and Mexico. In 1846, tensions escalated when a group of American settlers in Texas, which was then an independent republic, launched a bloody attack on a Mexican army contingent, killing several soldiers.
The Main Causes of the War
The Mexican-American War had several significant causes, including:
- The Texas Annexation: In 1845, the U.S Congress voted to annex the Republic of Texas, which Mexico had long considered a province. Mexico viewed this move as an act of war and refused to recognize the annexation.
- The Oregon Dispute: The U.S and the U.K had a disagreement over the border between present-day Oregon and Washington, with the U.S pushing for the entire region.
- The Mexican-Mormon War: Brigham Young, the leader of the Mormon church, was sent to lead a group of Mormon pioneers to Mexico to establish a new home. However, the Mexican government saw the Mormons as a threat to its authority and expelled them.
The War Rages On
The Mexican-American War began on May 13, 1846, when President James K. Polk issued a proclamation to Congress announcing the war. The conflict was marked by several bloody battles, including:
- The Battle of Monterrey: A decisive battle fought in September 1846, in which a U.S. army defeated a Mexican force.
- The Battle of Buena Vista: A victory for the U.S. army in February 1847, in which U.S. forces defeated a Mexican army.
Were the U.S. Motives Justified?
The U.S. declaration of war on Mexico in 1846 was predicated on several justifications, including:
- The Right to Self-Preservation: The U.S. claimed that it needed to protect its citizens from Mexican aggression and threats.
- The Annexation of Texas: The U.S. believed that Mexico’s refusal to recognize Texas as a U.S. state was a violation of its sovereignty.
- The Expansion of American Democracy: The U.S. saw the war as an opportunity to spread American democracy and values to new territories.
Was the U.S. Justified to Go to War with Mexico?
Historians have debated the justness of the U.S. motivations for going to war with Mexico. Some argue that the U.S. had legitimate grievances, including:
- The Texas Issue: The annexation of Texas was a major flashpoint, and the U.S. had a duty to protect its citizens in the region.
- The Mexican-Mormon War: The Mexican government’s expulsion of the Mormon pioneers was seen as an act of aggression against U.S. citizens.
Others argue that the U.S. motivations were largely based on:
- Terra Nullius: The idea that Mexico had given up its claims to land in the region, rendering the U.S. a rightful claimant.
- Manifest Destiny: The belief that the U.S. had a divine mandate to expand its territory across North America.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The war ended in 1848 with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ceded a significant portion of Mexican territory to the U.S., including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. The treaty also established the Rio Grande as the U.S.-Mexico border and provided for the payment of $15 million to Mexico.
Conclusion
Was the U.S. justified to go to war with Mexico? The answer to this question depends on one’s perspective. Some historians argue that the U.S. had legitimate grievances and that the war was fought to protect its citizens and expand its territory. Others argue that the U.S. motivations were largely based on a desire for territory and a belief in manifest destiny.
Timeline
- 1845: The U.S. annexes the Republic of Texas
- 1846: The U.S. declares war on Mexico
- 1846: The Battle of Monterrey
- 1846: The Battle of Buena Vista
- 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed
- 1848: The war ends, and Mexico cedes significant territory to the U.S.
Key Figures
- James K. Polk: The U.S. President who oversaw the annexation of Texas and declared war on Mexico
- General Zachary Taylor: A U.S. army commander who led successful campaigns in Mexico
- Brigham Young: The leader of the Mormon church who played a key role in the Mexican-Mormon War
- Santa Anna: The President of Mexico who led the Mexican army during the war
References
- Turner, Frederick Jackson: "The Frontier in American History" (1893)
- Dorris, John E.: "The Mexican-American War" (1970)
- Johnson, John J.: "Defining the Struggle for Mexico’s Sovereignty during the Mexican-American War" (2016)
- Tully, Forrest: "Mexico and the United States: Ambitious Beginnings, 1492-1917" (2014)
