Directions: For this portfolio project, you will evaluate whether the Mexican-American War was justified. Description You have been reading about the war between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848. It sprang out of a dispute between two countries over the southern border of Texas. The U.S. claimed the Rio Grande as the border, while Mexico claimed the Nueves River farther north. Each based its claim, in part, on agreements made at the end of the Texas war for independence, which ended in 1836. Each also based its claim on nationalism, or national self-interest, and a desire to expand its territory. For this portfolio project, you will explore different perspectives regarding the Mexican-American War. You will then present your findings in a short essay. Your final product will describe each point of view. It should give historically accurate facts. Your portfolio assignment has four steps: Research the Mexican-American War—its causes, the course of the conflict, and its results. Examine the Pearson Realize Civic Discussion Sources A–E for additional information. Analyze your research. Form your judgment and write your essay. Step 1 Conduct the following research to complete your assignment: Research Source of Information List basic facts about the root of the conflict—include who, what, when, where, and why. Describe the Texans’ actions—how Texas came to exist. List some differences between the Texan and Mexican perspectives after the Texas war for independence. Describe the beginnings of the Mexican- American war. Describe the course of the war and its results. You can use note cards, type your notes on a computer, or use another note-taking method. You can conduct a safe search on the internet or at your local library for information, or you may also use EBSCOhost databases to identify reference materials for this activity. Follow the directions below to access this resource. EBSCO Select the EBSCO link from your course page Select Explora Secondary Schools Narrow your search by selecting the relevant subject matter Narrow your search further or use the Find field, and then select the Search button. Step 2 Before you write your essay, consider the following questions: What allowed settlers to establish a colony in Texas? How did the interaction between the settlers in Texas and the Mexican government develop and change over time? How do you think the perspectives of the Texas settlers and the Mexican government would vary? On what things might the Mexican government and Texas settlers agree? How can you demonstrate the differences in the perspectives about Texas and its independence with historically accurate facts? What were the consequences of the Texas war for independence and in what way did they influence the start of the Mexican-American War? What actions could the United States or Mexican governments have taken to avoid conflict? Step 3 You will be writing a short essay for your final product. In order to evaluate whether the Mexican-American War was justified, you need to consider the perspective of each side. In establishing the perspective of each side, you will need to use the actions, words, and circumstances of each side and how the sides interacted with one another in order to build your logical argument.

Answer 1

The Justification of the Mexican-American War: An Analytical Perspective

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) remains one of the most contentious moments in United States history, rooted in a complex blend of territorial ambitions, national identity, and geopolitical tensions. To evaluate whether the war was justified, it is essential to explore the differing perspectives of the American settlers, the newly independent Republic of Texas, and the Mexican government prior to and during the conflict.

Roots of the Conflict

The conflict can primarily be traced back to the 1836 Texan War of Independence, which saw Texan settlers revolt against Mexican rule due to increasing dissatisfaction with Mexico's centralist government and its attempts to impose stricter control over immigration and slavery. Texas, originally part of Mexico, was populated by American settlers, who were granted land in exchange for adherence to Mexican law—a stipulation many ignored. By the time Texas declared independence, a distinct Texan identity had started to form, diverging sharply from that of the Mexican government.

The fundamental disagreement between the two nations revolved around territorial claims, especially concerning the southern border of Texas. The U.S. asserted the Rio Grande as the boundary, while Mexico contended that the Nueces River, located further north, was the rightful border. This was exacerbated by the U.S. interest in Manifest Destiny, the belief that the expansion of the United States throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Perspectives of the Texans and Mexico

From the Texan perspective, the struggle for independence was a fight for liberty and self-determination. Texans viewed themselves as victims of a tyrannical government and believed that their fight was both justified and necessary. The victory at San Jacinto and the subsequent independence in 1836 solidified this self-image, bolstered by American sympathy and support for their cause.

In contrast, the Mexican government saw the actions of the Texan settlers as a rebellion against its sovereignty. Following independence, Mexico was reluctant to recognize Texas as a legitimate state, fearing it would set a precedent for other regions looking to split from the central government. Furthermore, Mexico viewed the U.S. as an expansionist power attempting to undermine its territorial integrity.

Despite these differences, there were aspects on which both sides could agree. Both recognized the economic potential of Texas, with its fertile lands and resources. However, their solutions diverged dramatically—while Texans sought annexation by the U.S. for security and prosperity, the Mexican government sought to affirm its control and restore its territorial integrity.

Beginning and Course of the War

The Mexican-American War officially began after a series of provocations, the most notable being the U.S. military presence in disputed territories south of the Nueces River. Following attacks on American soldiers in April 1846, U.S. President James K. Polk declared war, framing it as a defense of American honor and territory. The course of the war was marked by significant U.S. victories, including the capture of Mexico City, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which resulted in the U.S. acquiring a vast amount of territory, including present-day California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Consequences and Reflection

The aftermath of the Mexican-American War was substantial, altering the course of both nations. For the United States, it fulfilled its Manifest Destiny, expanding its territory significantly. However, it also intensified the debate over slavery in the newly acquired territories, contributing to the sectional tensions that would lead to the Civil War. For Mexico, the war represented a grave loss of territory and national pride, leading to lasting resentment towards the United States.

To argue whether the war was justified, one must consider the motivations and actions of both sides. While proponents of the war framed it as a legitimate defense of American interests and a means to secure previously uncertain territories, critics decried it as an imperialistic venture driven by greed.

Conclusion

In evaluating the Mexican-American War, one must navigate the complexities of both American expansionist ideals and Mexican sovereignty. Ultimately, while the U.S. positioned its actions as justified through the lens of national interest, the violent repercussions and the means through which the conflict was pursued raise substantial ethical questions. The Mexican-American War serves as a historical reminder of the complexities of national identity, territorial claims, and the often devastating cost of conflict borne out of competing aspirations.

Answer 2

can you make it sound like a 7th grader

Answer 3

Was the Mexican-American War Justified?

The Mexican-American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848, was a big conflict between the United States and Mexico. This war started because both countries disagreed about the border of Texas. The U.S. wanted the Rio Grande River to be the border, while Mexico said the border was along the Nueces River, which is further north. To figure out if this war was justified, we need to look at what both sides thought and how they acted.

What Caused the Conflict?

The trouble began in 1836 when Texas fought to become independent from Mexico. Many American settlers had moved to Texas and didn’t want to follow Mexico's laws, especially about things like immigration and slavery. They felt that Mexico's government was being unfair, so they declared independence. After they won the war at a battle called San Jacinto, they formed the Republic of Texas. However, Mexico didn’t want to accept Texas as its own country.

After Texas became independent, the U.S. wanted to add Texas to its territory. This idea was part of a popular belief called Manifest Destiny, which meant that many Americans believed it was their right to expand across the continent. So, when Texas wanted to join the United States, tensions increased between the U.S. and Mexico.

How Did Texans and Mexicans See This Differently?

From the Texan perspective, they felt they were fighting for freedom and the right to determine their own future. They saw themselves as heroes standing up against a harsh government. Texans believed that joining the U.S. would provide them with safety and prosperity.

On the other hand, the Mexican government viewed the Texan settlers as traitors who were rebelling against their country. They worried that if they let Texas go, other regions might try to leave Mexico too. Mexico didn’t want to lose more land to the United States, which they viewed as an aggressive power trying to take over.

Although they disagreed, both sides understood that Texas was valuable. Texans wanted to join the U.S. for new opportunities, while Mexico wanted to keep it to prevent more losses.

How Did the War Start?

The war began when American soldiers were sent to the disputed land south of the Nueces River. In April 1846, some American soldiers were attacked there. President James K. Polk used this incident to declare war, saying it was necessary to protect American interests.

During the war, the U.S. won many important battles, including one where they captured Mexico City. The conflict ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. This treaty meant the U.S. got a lot of land from Mexico, including what is now California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

What Happened After the War?

The results of the Mexican-American War had huge effects on both countries. The United States expanded its territory, but this also created arguments about whether new states would allow slavery. This conflict helped set the stage for the Civil War later on.

For Mexico, the war was a significant loss. They lost almost half of their land and suffered from a sense of humiliation. Many people in Mexico became angry at the United States for taking their territory.

Conclusion

When looking at whether the Mexican-American War was justified, we have to think about what both the Americans and the Mexicans wanted. The U.S. believed it was protecting its interests, while Mexico wanted to defend its territory. Despite the possible reasons for the war, it led to a lot of suffering for both sides and caused long-term problems.

In the end, the Mexican-American War is a reminder of how disagreements over land and power can lead to major conflicts, and it shows us that history is often complicated with many different viewpoints.

Answer 4

and does this answer all the directions it provided?

Answer 5

While the essay I provided covers many aspects of the Mexican-American War and presents different perspectives, it could be enhanced to ensure it fully addresses all the specific directions given in your assignment. Here’s a breakdown of how it aligns with each step of the directions and what could be added:

1. Research Source of Information: Basic Facts

   • The essay briefly mentions who (the U.S. and Mexico), what (the Mexican-American War), when (1846-1848), where (Texas and neighboring regions), and why (border disputes and Manifest Destiny). However, these facts could be more clearly organized and detailed.

2. Describe the Texans' actions—how Texas came to exist.

   • The essay explains the Texan War of Independence and how Texas became a republic but could provide more about how settlers established their colony and interacted with the Mexican government over time.

3. List some differences between the Texan and Mexican perspectives after the Texas War for independence.

   • The essay mentions the differing views regarding independence and governance but could delve deeper into specific actions or policies that illustrated these differences.

4. Describe the beginnings of the Mexican-American War.

   • The initiation of the war is explained, including the attack on U.S. soldiers and President Polk's declaration, which is good. It could elaborate on how tensions escalated leading up to this point.

5. Describe the course of the war and its results.

   • This part is fairly well-covered, mentioning significant victories and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Further details on key battles or events could improve this section.

6. Consider perspectives and how they might vary.

   • The essay generally captures the perspectives of Texan settlers and the Mexican government but could explicitly compare and contrast actions or beliefs in a more direct manner.

7. Discuss possible actions to avoid conflict.

   • The original essay does not address what actions either government could have taken to prevent conflict. A brief discussion of diplomatic efforts that could have been made would enhance the analysis.

In summary, while the essay provides a solid overview of the Mexican-American War and touches on many essential points, it would benefit from greater detail, more organization, and a more explicit discussion of the specific directions outlined in your assignment. Here’s a brief revised focus on those directions:

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Revised Structure of the Essay

1. Introduction: Introduce the war and its significance.

2. Basic Facts: Who, what, when, where, and why the war started.

3. Texans’ Actions and Background: Explain how Texans established themselves and detailed events leading to independence.

4. Perspectives on Independence: Describe differences between Texan and Mexican views after the war.

5. The Start of the War: Outline the immediate causes.

6. Course and Results of the War: Summarize key battles and outcomes with more details.

7. Comparing Perspectives: Highlight how the views of each side differed and any areas of agreement.

8. Preventative Actions: Discuss what steps might have been taken by either side to avoid the war.

9. Conclusion: Reflect on whether the war was justified and the complexities involved.

By employing this structured approach and directly addressing all directions, you will create a more comprehensive and satisfying essay. If you want, I can help further refine or expand specific sections!