The Mexican American War

Summary

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was fueled by U.S. expansionism under President James K. Polk’s belief in Manifest Destiny. After Mexico refused to sell California and New Mexico, Polk sent troops to the disputed Texas border, leading to war. The conflict saw significant battles and figures like Kit Carson, and ended with Mexico’s defeat. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo granted the U.S. vast territories, including modern-day California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. The war also shaped the careers of key military leaders, including future president Zachary Taylor and Civil War generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Mexican-American War occurred in the 1840s, during a time when America was still a young country hungry for westward expansion.
• 😀 President James K. Polk was a strong believer in Manifest Destiny, the idea that the U.S. was destined to expand across North America.
• 😀 Polk's desire for westward expansion led him to target California and New Mexico, areas that were part of Mexico at the time.
• 😀 The U.S. offered $30 million to Mexico for the land, but Mexico refused, leading to escalating tensions.
• 😀 Polk sent U.S. troops to occupy disputed territories along the Texas-Mexico border, which eventually led to military clashes.
• 😀 The war officially began when President Polk declared war on Mexico on May 13, 1846, following the border conflict.
• 😀 The two-year war saw 21 major battles and played a key role in the expansion of U.S. territory.
• 😀 Kit Carson became a hero during the war for his role in the conquest of California, including a remarkable 15-mile barefoot walk to fetch reinforcements.
• 😀 Mexico struggled in the war due to internal political instability and an under-trained military.
• 😀 The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war in 1848, with Mexico ceding a third of its territory to the U.S., including modern-day California, Texas, and other western states.
• 😀 The war boosted the reputations of several U.S. military figures, including future presidents Zachary Taylor and Civil War generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant.

Q & A

What was the primary motivation for American expansion during the 1840s?

The primary motivation for American expansion was the belief in Manifest Destiny, the idea that the United States had a divine obligation to expand westward across the North American continent.

Who was the U.S. president during the Mexican-American War and what role did he play?

President James K. Polk was the U.S. president during the Mexican-American War. He was particularly eager to acquire more territory and played a key role in pushing for the war, driven by his belief in Manifest Destiny.

What was Manifest Destiny?

Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States was destined by God to expand its territory across the entire North American continent, from the East Coast to the West Coast.

How did the United States' westward expansion impact Mexico?

Mexico was unhappy with the U.S. expansion, especially after Texas won its independence in 1836. The U.S. continued pushing for territorial acquisitions, leading to tensions with Mexico and eventually the Mexican-American War.

What was the outcome of the U.S. offer to purchase California and New Mexico from Mexico?

The United States offered $30 million to Mexico for California and New Mexico, but Mexico refused to sell the land, leading President Polk to take a more aggressive approach.

How did the U.S. provoke the Mexican-American War?

The U.S. provoked the war by sending troops to occupy a disputed area along the Texas-Mexico border. When American and Mexican troops clashed in this area, President Polk seized the opportunity to declare war on Mexico on May 13, 1846.

Who was Kit Carson and what role did he play in the war?

Kit Carson was an American frontiersman who participated in the conquest of California. He gained national acclaim for walking 15 miles barefoot to fetch reinforcements after the disastrous Battle of San Pasqual.

Why was Mexico ill-prepared for the Mexican-American War?

Mexico was ill-prepared for the war due to internal political instability and an under-trained army, which made it difficult for them to effectively resist the U.S. military.

What was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and what did it result in?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the Mexican-American War. As a result, Mexico ceded a third of its territory to the United States, including modern-day Utah, California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas.

What was the significance of the Mexican-American War for future U.S. military leaders?

The Mexican-American War played a significant role in solidifying the reputations of several U.S. military leaders, including future President Zachary Taylor and Civil War generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant.