American Life 4/16

Overview of the Mexican War

• Casualties: Approximately 13,000 military casualties in the Mexican War, with only about 10% being combat deaths.

  • Majority of deaths (around 90%) resulted from communicable diseases like dysentery.

  • Combat deaths were about 1,700, indicating the poor conditions in encampments likely led to higher mortality rates.

Context and Conduct of the War

• Duration: The conflict spanned roughly two years.

• Nature of Battles:

  • Sizeable battles occurred over various regions, including California and Southern Texas.

  • American forces had scattered military engagements, often leading to quick retreats by Mexican forces with minimal casualties.

• Key Figures: General Winfield Scott led U.S. forces with a strategic approach, landing at Veracruz and advancing to capture Mexico City.

  • Comparison made to Hernán Cortés’ landing in the 1520s, showing historical significance.

Victory and Territorial Acquisition

• End of War: By 1847, Scott's forces advanced to Mexico City, where diplomatic negotiations began following military success.

  • Mexico ultimately conceded territories to the U.S. to avoid further military conflict and loss.

• Territorial Significance: Addressed the importance of northern territories to the U.S., which were sparsely populated and had limited resources.

Immediate Aftermath of the War

• Gold Discovery: Shortly after the war concluded, gold was discovered in California (1848), leading to a significant migration.

  • This event attracted settlers and fortune seekers from various backgrounds, marking a mass movement of people.

• Cultural and Demographic Changes: California quickly became one of the most diverse regions in the U.S.

  • Settlers included individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, showing a multicultural expansion in the new territories.

Political Implications of Expansion

• Debate on Slavery: Following the acquisition of new territories, the issue of slavery and labor systems became paramount.

  • The California Gold Rush raised urgent questions about the economic system in future states: free or slave labor?

• Compromise of 1850: In response to tensions, various legislative measures were adopted:

  • Ended the slave trade in Washington D.C.

  • Organized territories of New Mexico and Utah under the principle of popular sovereignty, allowing settlers to decide on slavery.

  • California was admitted as a free state.

Consequences and Long-term Effects

• Evolving Politics: The compromises aimed to balance power in Congress but revealed deepening rifts regarding slavery.

  • Southern states were concerned about the implications of bringing California in as a free state.

• Abolitionism Growth: The controversies around the Compromise of 1850 invigorated abolitionist movements, with figures like William Lloyd Garrison advocating for immediate abolition.

• Future Tensions: Although it was believed compromises could stave off civil war, divisions continued to fester, setting the stage for future conflicts over slavery.