1. Excerpt from Abraham Lincoln's Speech:

Question

Source: "The War with Mexico: Speech in the United States House of Representatives" by Abraham Lincoln, January 12, 1848.

Mr. Chairman:
The President, in his first message of May, 1846, declares that “the soil was ours on which hostilities were commenced by Mexico;” and he repeats that declaration, almost in the same language, in each successive annual message—thus showing that he esteems that point a highly essential one. In the importance of that point, I entirely agree with the President. To my judgment, it is the very point upon which he should be justified or condemned…

2. Excerpt from The History of Mexico by Burton Corkwood:
Source: The History of Mexico, by Burton Corkwood, Greenwood Press, 2000.

In the aftermath of defeat, as Mexicans searched for explanations for their loss, many blamed Santa Anna. Others harshly turned the lenses of introspection on themselves and concluded that “Mexico might have gotten what it deserved.” Strong criticisms were also leveled at the Church and the military, corporate bodies viewed as incapable of responding to the changes needed to stabilize Mexico’s economic and political sectors.

3. Excerpt from The Treaties of Velasco:
Source: "The Treaties of Velasco," Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

On May 26, General Vicente Filisola began withdrawing Mexican troops in fulfillment of the public treaty. However, the Texas army blocked Santa Anna’s release by the Texas government. Moreover, the Mexican government refused to accept the treaties on the grounds that “because it went against a treaty that recognized Mexico’s control over that land.” Since the treaties had now been violated by both sides, they never took effect.

How to work quotes into your writing: Examples are below

The United States of America decided to take military action upon the nation of Mexico. President James Polk said “The existing state of the relations between the United States and Mexico renders it proper that I should bring the subject to the consideration of Congress,” (Polk, 1846).

When looking at the reasons why Mexico held so strongly to her land claims, it can be said that “Mexico recognized that it needed to hold its northern frontier if for no other reason than to stop the U.S. from moving even closer to Mexico, then taking the next inevitable step of moving into Mexico City itself. There was a kind of domino theory at work here,” (Webber, n.d).

Answer 1

In examining the intricate relationship between the United States and Mexico during the 1840s, it is essential to consider various perspectives on the conflict. Abraham Lincoln, in his January 12, 1848 speech, pointedly critiqued the justification for the war, asserting, “The soil was ours on which hostilities were commenced by Mexico;” he emphasized this crucial point to argue whether President Polk's actions were defensible (Lincoln, 1848). This scrutiny reflects Lincoln's broader concern about the moral implications of the conflict.

In contrast, the aftermath of the war led to profound introspection within Mexico. According to Burton Corkwood, many Mexicans attributed the defeat to figures like Santa Anna, or internal failings, with some asserting that “Mexico might have gotten what it deserved” (Corkwood, 2000). This sentiment highlights a period of self-critique and acknowledgment of political weaknesses in the face of military defeat.

The complexities of the treaties that emerged from this conflict further illustrate the tensions present. The Treaties of Velasco, which aimed to bring resolution, were ultimately rendered ineffective as both the Mexican and Texas governments failed to honor them. As noted, “the Mexican government refused to accept the treaties on the grounds that ‘because it went against a treaty that recognized Mexico’s control over that land’” (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, n.d.). This rejection demonstrates how misunderstandings and conflicting claims exacerbated the geopolitical struggles between the two nations.

Together, these excerpts underscore the multifaceted nature of the U.S.-Mexico tensions during this era, revealing the interplay of political justification, internal critique, and diplomatic failures. As history continues to shape contemporary relations, understanding these foundational events provides insight into the ongoing dialogue between the two countries.