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

Question

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:
andits resut Mexican-American War-its causes, the course of the confict,
2... Analyze your research.
3. Form your judgment and write your essay

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.
like an 8th grader did it and make it 5 paragraphs long

Answer 1

The Mexican-American War: Different Perspectives on a Disputed Border

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was a significant conflict rooted in a dispute over the border between the United States and Mexico. The war arose after tensions escalated over where Texas's southern border should lie. The U.S. claimed the Rio Grande as the border, while Mexico insisted on the Nueces River, which is farther north. This disagreement stemmed from the aftermath of the Texas War for Independence, which ended in 1836. Both nations had motivations fueled by nationalism and a desire for land. Understanding the different perspectives on this war helps us grasp its complexity and significance in American history.

The Texas War for Independence was driven by various factors. Texan settlers, known as "Texians," were primarily American immigrants who had moved to Mexican Texas. They sought more autonomy and freedom, as they were unhappy with Mexican laws and governance. In 1836, Texians declared independence from Mexico, leading to battles such as the famous skirmish at the Alamo. Following their victory, the Republic of Texas was established, and its leaders sought to join the United States, further intensifying tensions with Mexico. The annexation of Texas by the U.S. in 1845 became a key point of contention, setting the stage for the future conflict.

The perspectives of Texans and Mexicans after the war for independence were starkly different. Texans viewed their struggle as a fight for freedom and self-governance. They felt justified in seeking annexation to the United States, believing it was their right to expand and prosper. Conversely, Mexicans saw the loss of Texas as a betrayal. They viewed the actions of the Texians as rebellious and illegal, prioritizing their national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This clash of ideals fueled further animosity between the two nations, ultimately leading to the war.

As the war unfolded, the United States took decisive military actions, leading to significant victories, including the capture of Mexico City in 1847. The conflict was not without its challenges; many Americans debated the morality of the war and its implications for slavery and expansion. For some, the desire for land and the belief in Manifest Destiny—a notion that it was the U.S. fate to expand across the continent—drove support for the war. However, others, including some politicians and abolitionists, criticized the war as an unjust act of aggression against Mexico.

In conclusion, the Mexican-American War illustrates the conflicting perspectives that defined the period. The U.S. saw an opportunity for expansion and growth, while Mexico defended its territory against what they perceived as an imperialistic invasion. The war resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which ceded vast territories to the U.S., including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. By examining the differing viewpoints of Texans and Mexicans, we better understand the motivations behind the war and its lasting impact on both nations.