Saturday, October 13, 2012

Mexican-American War

Mexican-American War Cliff Notes: I have been reminded lately that it has been a LONG time since I have been back to this blog. So I thought I would share some insights I learned from 2 books I recently finished about the Mexican-American War (1846-1847). I think if you asked the average American citizen on the street (if there is such a thing) if the United States ever fought a war against Mexico, most people, if they were honest about it, would say no or they don't know. I doubt if Jay Leno would know either without referring to his staff of writers. The Civil War that began barely a decade later overshadows this time in history. At the time this occurred, many called this conflict President Polk's War and felt it was very unjust. My understanding of the cause of the war was the debate as to where the southern border of the US terminated and were the lands of Mexico began. The US understood the border to be the Rio Grande River (as it is today). Mexico understood the boundary to be the Nueces River that is about 100 miles farther North. Both nations sent troops to enforce their competing claims, and a standoff ensued. Finally in the Spring of 1846, the Mexican troops ambushed the American troops on soil claimed by both countries. Eleven American troopers were killed and the war was underway. President Polk eagerly sought this war in order to seize larger tracts of land from Mexico. So if I have not lost you yet, here is a Cliff notes review of the war. The Mexican-American War was the first major war driven by the concept of "Manifest Destiny"; the belief that America had a God-given right to expand the country's borders from 'sea to shining sea'. President Polk had an aggressive expansionist policy. Also during his term the Oregon question was settled (the U.S. and Britain agreeing to divide the Pacific Northwest between them at the 49th parallel) and for the first time the territory of the United States extended to the Pacific Ocean. SIDE NOTE: James Polk was the youngest president to serve at the time of his inauguration at just 49 years old and he died of cholera only three months after leaving office. Although there were numerous battles fought during these 2 years, the most compelling story is that of the US army led by General Winfield Scott. He completed the first major amphibious landing of American troops on the beaches near Veracruz. His army consisted of about 10,000 men. The first major battle with the Mexican army that was lead by Santa Anna was fought at Veracruz. Although the Americans were outnumbered 3 to one, they won each battle fought with the Mexican during this campaign. From there, General Scott did the unthinkable. He separated his army from its supply base and began to march inland toward Mexico City. Several major battles were fought along the way from Mid-April to mid-September 1847, many with a high loss of lives on each side. These battles and locations are not names we recognize; Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, Molino Del Rey and Chapultepec. This is unlike the familiar names of major Civil War battle locations that where fought; such as Gettysburg, Bull Run, Antietam, etc.) However, many young Americans gave their lives fighting for our country south of our boarder. In the end, the U.S. army was victorious and in February 1848, a Treaty was inked. The treaty called for the annexation of the northern portions of Mexico to the United States. In return, the U.S. agreed to pay $15 million to Mexico for the territory that was gained. Two major reasons for the victory were 1) the superior cannon of the U.S. artillery and 2) the strategies used by the U.S. officers turned the tide against the Mexicans. The war cost the United States over $100 million, and the lives of over 10,000 Americans were lost. America had defeated its weaker foe, but paid a very high price in doing so.

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