What are the causes, the course of conflict and it’s results of the Mexican American war

Answer 1

The causes of the Mexican-American War can be traced back to several factors:

1. Annexation of Texas: The annexation of Texas to the United States in 1845 was viewed by Mexico as an act of aggression and a violation of their territorial integrity. Mexico, which had previously fought a war for independence from Spain, considered Texas as a rebellious province and refused to recognize its independence.

2. Border disputes: There were ongoing border disputes between Mexico and the United States, particularly concerning the border of Texas. Mexico claimed that the southern boundary of Texas was the Nueces River, while the United States argued it was the Rio Grande.

3. Manifest Destiny: The concept of Manifest Destiny, which was prevalent in the United States during the 19th century, fueled the idea of westward expansion and the belief that it was America's destiny to stretch from coast to coast. This mindset led to American desires to acquire more Mexican territories, such as California and New Mexico.

4. Economic interests: The United States was interested in acquiring the valuable ports and resources in Mexican territories, particularly in California, which had a flourishing economy due to the Gold Rush.

The course of the conflict can be summarized as follows:

1. Initial hostilities: The war began in 1846 when American troops crossed the disputed territory, sparking a clash with Mexican forces. The Mexican army was initially ill-prepared and faced difficulties in defending against the better-equipped American forces.

2. U.S. invasion: The American invasion was swift and successful, with victories at the Battle of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Monterrey. Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, was captured by American forces in September 1847.

3. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in February 1848. Mexico ceded a vast amount of territory to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.

The results of the Mexican-American War were significant:

1. Territorial gains for the United States: The war resulted in the acquisition of a large amount of territory by the United States, adding approximately 1.2 million square miles to its territorial holdings.

2. Controversies over slavery: The territorial gains from Mexico reignited debates over the expansion of slavery. The issue played a significant role in the events leading up to the American Civil War.

3. Impact on Mexico: Mexico suffered both human and economic losses as a result of the war. The conflict devastated Mexico's economy and led to the loss of approximately half its territory.

4. Growing American power: The Mexican-American War solidified the United States' position as a dominant power in North America and marked the beginning of its ascent as a global power.

Overall, the causes and course of the Mexican-American War were influenced by a combination of territorial ambitions, cultural conflicts, and the belief in America's manifest destiny. The war had long-lasting effects on both Mexico and the United States, shaping the geopolitical landscape of North America for years to come.