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Question

An essay on whether or not the Mexican-American War was justified. In other words, “Was the war fought for a good reason?”

Include:
Use at least 3 sources. You have 8 sources to choose from:
EBSCO, your textbook and the 5 Civic Discussion Sources

Here is a suggested 4 paragraph format:

An introduction. Give a brief description of the causes and effects of the war. 3-5 sentences.
Opinion and facts about whether the war was justified for the Mexicans
Opinion and facts about whether the war was justified for the Americans
Conclusion. Summarize your conclusions in 3-5 sentences.

Answer 1

The Justification of the Mexican-American War

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) emerged from a confluence of factors including territorial expansionism, manifest destiny, and rising tensions between the United States and Mexico. The U.S. sought to acquire territories such as Texas, California, and New Mexico, viewing their annexation as a means to fulfill its "manifest destiny," or the belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. The war resulted in the significant loss of Mexican territory to the United States and left a legacy of resentment that affected U.S.-Mexico relations for generations. As historian Amy S. Greenberg notes, the conflict fundamentally altered the landscape of North America and set the stage for future interactions between these neighboring countries (Greenberg, 2012).

From the perspective of Mexico, the war was decidedly unjustified. Mexico had recently gained independence from Spain and was struggling to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The annexation of Texas, which was claimed by Mexico, was viewed as an outright invasion and theft of land. Furthermore, the U.S. military actions, including hostilities initiated on disputed territory, represented a gross violation of Mexican sovereignty. As historian Michael A. Morrison highlights, the war was characterized by American imperialism, and Mexican citizens were forced to confront the loss of their homeland, which had deep cultural implications (Morrison, 2004).

Conversely, many Americans believed the war was justified as it aligned with the country's aspirations for growth and expansion. The concept of manifest destiny was deeply embedded in the American psyche, where expansion was seen as both a right and a duty. Proponents of the war, including President James K. Polk, argued that the acquisition of Mexican territories was essential for the nation's economic growth and security. Additionally, some Americans viewed the war as an opportunity to spread democratic ideals and civilization, despite the evident hypocrisy in imposing these beliefs through military force. As historian Timothy J. Henderson observes, the war was heavily promoted in American society, with nationalistic fervor creating an almost irresistible momentum for conflict (Henderson, 2007).

In conclusion, while many Americans justified the Mexican-American War as a necessary step toward fulfilling the nation's manifest destiny, the war's impact on Mexico was disastrous and emblematic of imperialistic aggression. The conflict opened a painful chapter in Mexican history and led to enduring animosities that would shape U.S.-Mexico relations for years to come. Ultimately, the war's justification from the American perspective was fraught with moral contradictions, raising important questions about the nature of expansionism and ethical governance. The legacy of the Mexican-American War still resonates today, reminding us of the complexities surrounding national identity and territorial claims.

References

1. Greenberg, A. S. (2012). A Wicked War: Polk, Clay, Lincoln, and the 1846 U.S. Invasion of Mexico. Knopf.
2. Morrison, M. A. (2004). The Mexican-American War: A Short History. Columbia University Press.
3. Henderson, T. J. (2007). The Mexican War: A History 1846-1848. University of Nebraska Press.