Mexican–American War

Overview

  • Duration: April 25, 1846 – February 2, 1848

  • Also known as: Mexican War (U.S.), United States intervention in Mexico (Mexico)

Causes of the War

  • Annexation of Texas (1845): Mexico did not recognize Texas's independence; Texas and U.S. claimed the Rio Grande as the border, while Mexico claimed the Nueces River.

  • Presidential Election (1844): James K. Polk elected on a platform of territorial expansion (Texas, California).

  • Mexican Offer Refused: Polk attempted to buy disputed territory for $25 million; offer was declined, leading to military escalation.

War Initiation

  • Skirmish: U.S. troops sent to the Rio Grande led to conflict on April 25, 1846, termed an attack by Mexico, prompting a U.S. war declaration.

Major Events During the War

  • U.S. Occupation: Forces occupied Santa Fe and advanced into California.

  • Veracruz Landing: Major General Winfield Scott led a successful invasion, capturing Mexico City by September 1847.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)

  • End of War: Formalized territorial changes; U.S. acquired Texas, California, Nevada, Utah, parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

  • Financial Terms: U.S. paid $15 million for damage and assumed $3.25 million in debt owned by Mexico.

  • Border Establishment: Mexico accepted the Rio Grande as the border.

Consequences of the War

  • U.S. Expansion: Increased territorial claims; fueled debates over slavery in new territories (Wilmot Proviso).

  • Casualties: Approx. 13,283 U.S. deaths; Mexican casualties possibly up to 25,000 including military and civilians.

  • Political Impact in Mexico: Internal turmoil worsened; lost national prestige and territory; shift in governance as military and church authority overshadowed government.

Historical Implications

  • American Civil War Connection: Conflict heightened sectional tensions relating to slavery and territory.

  • Military Leadership: Many officers from the war became leaders in the Civil War.

  • National Ideology: Driven by Manifest Destiny, U.S. perceived itself as destined to expand, influenced by racial and gender stereotypes against Mexicans.