Student name:
Title: The Mexican-American War: Justification or Aggression?
Introduction:
The Mexican-American War was a significant conflict that occurred between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848. It stemmed from various underlying causes, including tensions over Texas independence from Mexico, the concept of Manifest Destiny, and a dispute over the border between the two nations. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the war, examining its history before, during, and after, in order to determine whether it was justified or an act of aggression.
History of the War:
Prior to the Mexican-American War, tensions between the United States and Mexico had been escalating for several years. In 1836, Texas successfully gained independence from Mexico, leading to its annexation by the United States in 1845. This move sparked outrage among Mexican leaders who still considered Texas as part of their territory, as they believed the annexation violated their national sovereignty.
The concept of Manifest Destiny further intensified these tensions. The idea that the United States was destined to expand from coast to coast fueled American ambitions to acquire Mexican territory, particularly California and New Mexico. This belief, combined with economic motivations and the desire for resource-rich lands, set the stage for conflict between the two nations.
The war officially began in 1846 when the United States claimed that Mexican troops had crossed the Rio Grande, which they considered the U.S. border, and attacked American soldiers. However, historical records suggest that the U.S. troops may have actually initiated hostilities by provoking Mexican forces. Regardless of who started the conflict, the war saw a series of intense battles and military campaigns on both sides.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the Mexican-American War. Under the terms of the treaty, Mexico recognized the annexation of Texas by the United States and ceded a vast amount of territory, including modern-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. In return, the United States agreed to pay Mexico $15 million and assume $3.25 million in debts owed by Mexico to American citizens.
Justification or Aggression?
Determining whether the Mexican-American War was justified or an act of aggression depends on the perspective taken. From the American point of view, the war was seen as a necessary step towards the fulfillment of Manifest Destiny and the expansion of the United States. They argued that Texas had voluntarily joined the United States and that the conflict was a response to Mexican aggression on American soil.
However, from the Mexican perspective, the war was a blatant act of aggression by the United States. Mexico saw the annexation of Texas as an illegal seizure of their territory, and the subsequent invasion by U.S. forces as an infringement upon their sovereignty. Furthermore, the unequal terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, wherein Mexico relinquished large portions of land for a relatively small sum of money, reinforced the view that the war was an unjust imperialist endeavor.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Mexican-American War was a complex conflict with numerous underlying causes and perspectives to consider. From the American perspective, it was justified as an expansionist effort to fulfill Manifest Destiny and secure valuable territory. However, from the Mexican viewpoint, it was an act of aggression that violated their national sovereignty and resulted in the loss of substantial portions of their land. Ultimately, whether the war was justified or an act of aggression remains a matter of perspective, highlighting the complexities surrounding historical conflicts.
Works Cited:
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Note: If further information is desired about the Gadsden Purchase, it could be added as an additional paragraph or incorporated within the discussion of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.