mexican american war essay questions

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Mexican-American War

By: History.com Editors

Updated: August 10, 2022 | Original: November 9, 2009

Mexican-American War 1846-1848: Battle of Buena Vista. (Credit: Universal History Archive/Getty Images)

The Mexican-American War of 1846 to 1848 marked the first U.S. armed conflict chiefly fought on foreign soil. It pitted a politically divided and militarily unprepared Mexico against the expansionist-minded administration of U.S. President James K. Polk, who believed the United States had a “Manifest Destiny” to spread across the continent to the Pacific Ocean. A border skirmish along the Rio Grande that started off the fighting was followed by a series of U.S. victories. When the dust cleared, Mexico had lost about one-third of its territory, including nearly all of present-day California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.

Causes of the Mexican-American War

Texas gained its independence from Mexico in 1836. Initially, the United States declined to incorporate it into the union, largely because northern political interests were against the addition of a new state that supported slavery . The Mexican government was also encouraging border raids and warning that any attempt at annexation would lead to war.

Did you know? Gold was discovered in California just days before Mexico ceded the land to the United States in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Nonetheless, annexation procedures were quickly initiated after the 1844 election of Polk, a firm believer in the doctrine of Manifest Destiny , who campaigned that Texas should be “re-annexed” and that the Oregon Territory should be “re-occupied.” Polk also had his eyes on California , New Mexico and the rest of what is today the American Southwest.

When his offer to purchase those lands was rejected, he instigated a fight by moving troops into a disputed zone between the Rio Grande and Nueces River that both countries had previously recognized as part of the Mexican state of Coahuila .

The Mexican-American War Begins

On April 25, 1846, Mexican cavalry attacked a group of U.S. soldiers in the disputed zone under the command of General Zachary Taylor , killing about a dozen. They then laid siege to Fort Texas along the Rio Grande. Taylor called in reinforcements, and—with the help of superior rifles and artillery—was able to defeat the Mexicans at the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Resaca de la Palma .

Following those battles, Polk told the U.S. Congress that the “cup of forbearance has been exhausted, even before Mexico passed the boundary of the United States, invaded our territory, and shed American blood upon American soil.” Two days later, on May 13, Congress declared war, despite opposition from some northern lawmakers. No official declaration of war ever came from Mexico.

U.S. Army Advances Into Mexico

At that time, only about 75,000 Mexican citizens lived north of the Rio Grande. As a result, U.S. forces led by Col. Stephen Watts Kearny and Commodore Robert Field Stockton were able to conquer those lands with minimal resistance. Taylor likewise had little trouble advancing, and he captured the city of Monterrey in September.

With the losses adding up, Mexico turned to old standby General Antonio López de Santa Anna , the charismatic strongman who had been living in exile in Cuba. Santa Anna convinced Polk that, if allowed to return to Mexico, he would end the war on terms favorable to the United States.

But when Santa Anna arrived, he immediately double-crossed Polk by taking control of the Mexican army and leading it into battle. At the Battle of Buena Vista in February 1847, Santa Anna suffered heavy casualties and was forced to withdraw. Despite the loss, he assumed the Mexican presidency the following month.

Meanwhile, U.S. troops led by Gen. Winfield Scott landed in Veracruz and took over the city. They then began marching toward Mexico City, essentially following the same route that Hernán Cortés followed when he invaded the Aztec empire .

The Mexicans resisted at the Battle of Cerro Gordo and elsewhere, but were bested each time. In September 1847, Scott successfully laid siege to Mexico City’s Chapultepec Castle . During that clash, a group of military school cadets–the so-called ni ños héroes –purportedly committed suicide rather than surrender.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo 

Guerrilla attacks against U.S. supply lines continued, but for all intents and purposes the war had ended. Santa Anna resigned, and the United States waited for a new government capable of negotiations to form.

Finally, on Feb. 2, 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, establishing the Rio Grande (and not the Nueces River) as the U.S.-Mexican border. Under the treaty, Mexico also recognized the U.S. annexation of Texas, and agreed to sell California and the rest of its territory north of the Rio Grande for $15 million plus the assumption of certain damage claims.

The net gain in U.S. territory after the Mexican-American War was roughly 525,000 square miles, an enormous tract of land—nearly as much as the Louisiana Purchase’s 827,000 square miles—that would forever change the geography, culture and economy of the United States.

Though the war with Mexico was over, the battle over the newly acquired territories—and whether or not slavery would be allowed in those territories—was just beginning. Many of the U.S. officers and soldiers in the Mexican-American War would in just a few years find themselves once again taking up arms, but this time against their own countrymen in the Civil War .

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The Mexican-American War Essay

The US-Mexican War started on 25 April 1846 and lasted for 2 years until 1848 (Bauer, 1992). The war broke out mainly because both the US and Mexico were interested in Texas, which had gained independence from Mexico in 1836. People have divided opinion on whether the US should have been involved in this war. On one side, some people argue that the US should not have been involved in the war because it had refused to incorporate Texas into the Union in 1836 after gaining independence. On the other side, some individuals hold that the US should have been involved in the war as retaliation after Mexico attacked American soldiers on the disputed land. However, this paper holds that the US should not have engaged in the 1846 Mexican-American War.

The Mexican president at the time, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, had warned the US that any efforts to annex Texas would break the already fragile relationship between Mexico and the US (Frazier, 1998). However, the US president at the time ignored such warnings. Mexico and the US were equal partners in the region, and President James Polk should have respected the calls to leave Texas alone. The Mexican president was only concerned about the peace of the region. President de Santa Anna even went to the extent of begging the US to stay out of Texas, but President Polk was determined to annex Texas to the Union. Therefore, for the interest of peace in the region, the US should not have engaged Mexico in this bloody war.

To show its commitment to resolve the Texan conflict amicably, the Mexican government decided to negotiate with a low-level US government official. Having a low-level government official would keep politics out of the already volatile issue. However, the US government would not divorce the politics of supremacy from the confrontation, and thus it sent a minister to negotiate with Mexico. At this point, it is clear that the US was set for a military confrontation by defying all the demands from the Mexican government. If the US sent a low-profile government official as required, perhaps the war would have been averted.

However, the proponents of the war argue that Mexico had to be held responsible for attacking American troops and killing two officers (Henderson, 2008). Apparently, Mexico had no right to dictate whether Texas wanted to join the Union or remain an independent country. Texas needed help from its allies after being ravaged by the struggle for independence from Mexico. Therefore, the US was simply helping its ally at the time of need through annexation. Additionally, Mexico refused to honor its promise of receiving the US emissary with honor befitting an American government official in foreign land. Therefore, Mexico pushed the US into the war.

In conclusion, there are compelling reasons explaining why the US should or should not have engaged in the Mexican-American War. However, the US should not have engaged in the war. Mexico had categorically stated that the annexation of Texas to the United States would cause conflicts in the region, and President Polk should have respected this stand. Besides, Mexico indicated its willingness to negotiate with a low-profile US government official. However, the US sent a high-ranking minister in the government.

The proponents of the war hold that Mexico had no right to determine if Texas would join the US. However, this argument is weak because Mexico wanted peace in the region and the US should have respected that view. Therefore, the arguments on why the US should not have engaged in the war are highly compelling because peace should surpass supremacy battles.

Bauer, J. (1992). The Mexican War: 1846–1848 . Winnipeg, MB: Bison Books.

Frazier, D. (1998). The U.S. and Mexico at war . Basingstoke, UK: Macmillan.

Henderson, T. (2008). A glorious defeat: Mexico and its war with the United States. New York, NY: Hill and Wang.

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IvyPanda. (2020, August 25). The Mexican-American War. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-mexican-american-war/

"The Mexican-American War." IvyPanda , 25 Aug. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/the-mexican-american-war/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'The Mexican-American War'. 25 August.

IvyPanda . 2020. "The Mexican-American War." August 25, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-mexican-american-war/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Mexican-American War." August 25, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-mexican-american-war/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Mexican-American War." August 25, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-mexican-american-war/.

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Unraveling the Enigma: Tracing the Origins of the Mexican-American War

Delving into the origins of the Mexican-American War reveals a nuanced narrative, challenging the conventional notion that it began with the Thornton Affair in 1846. The conflict’s roots extend into the aftermath of the Texas Revolution and the annexation of Texas in 1845, marking a collision of territorial ambitions and cultural clashes. Manifest Destiny further fueled tensions, as the U.S. sought westward expansion, conflicting with Mexican territories. Diplomatic failures in addressing the Texas question intensified hostilities, emphasizing that the war was not a singular event but a complex culmination of historical grievances and geopolitical factors. On PapersOwl, there’s also a selection of free essay templates associated with War.

How it works

The Mexican-American War, a defining chapter in the annals of history, stands as a testament to the complexities of international relations and territorial ambitions. Delving into the depths of its genesis unveils a multifaceted narrative, shrouded in intrigue and layered with historical intricacies. Pinpointing the exact moment when this conflict erupted proves to be a challenging endeavor, as it is a culmination of diverse factors that simmered over time, waiting for the right spark to ignite the flames of war.

While traditional accounts often highlight the Thornton Affair of April 25, 1846, as the inaugural skirmish of the war, a more nuanced analysis reveals a tapestry woven with threads of diplomatic tensions, territorial disputes, and cultural clashes.

The annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845 emerges as a pivotal juncture, serving as a catalyst for escalating tensions between the two nations. Mexico adamantly opposed the annexation, viewing Texas as an integral part of its territory rather than an independent entity, thus laying the groundwork for future conflict.

However, the roots of the Mexican-American War extend further into the past, reaching back to the aftermath of the Texas Revolution in 1836. The emergence of the Republic of Texas, born out of a struggle for independence, posed a significant challenge to Mexico’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mexico refused to recognize Texas as an independent nation, setting the stage for a protracted dispute that would ultimately culminate in armed conflict.

Moreover, the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, which gained prominence in the United States during the 19th century, played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of American expansionism. The belief in the nation’s divine right to expand its territorial boundaries westward fueled ambitions to acquire vast swaths of land, including territories claimed by Mexico. Manifest Destiny served as both a rallying cry for American expansionists and a source of resentment for Mexican authorities, exacerbating tensions between the two nations.

In addition to these geopolitical factors, the failure of diplomatic efforts to resolve the Texas question further exacerbated tensions between Mexico and the United States. Despite attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution, diplomatic channels ultimately proved ineffective in bridging the divide between the two nations, paving the way for armed conflict.

In conclusion, the origins of the Mexican-American War are deeply rooted in a complex web of historical events, diplomatic failures, and ideological clashes. While the Thornton Affair may mark the formal commencement of hostilities, it is merely a symptom of deeper underlying tensions that had been brewing for decades. By unraveling the intricacies of this conflict, we gain insight into the complexities of international relations and the enduring legacy of territorial ambition.

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History Resources

mexican american war essay questions

The Mexican-American War: Arguments for and against Going to War

By tim bailey.

Click here to download this three-lesson unit.

mexican american war essay questions

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mexican american war essay questions

Debating the Mexican-American War, May 1846

mexican american war essay questions

Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.

Suggested Sequencing

  • Use this Primary Source alongside the  Chapter 7 Introductory Essay: 1844–1860  and the  To Go to War with Mexico?  Decision Point to explore the United States’ decision to declare war on Mexico.

Introduction

On May 11, 1846, President James K. Polk sent a special message to Congress asking for a declaration of war against Mexico. In his message, the president outlined a series of grievances against the Mexican government and argued that the Mexicans had started a war by attacking U.S. soldiers in southern Texas. Congress declared war two days after the message, but the debate continued over the war and the expansion of slavery in the West. Congressman Joshua Giddings of Ohio issued a scathing reply to Polk two days later and accused the president of starting a war of conquest to safeguard slavery. Giddings was not alone in his beliefs; many northerners and opponents of slavery especially feared that the conflict was an excuse for the expansion of slavery.

Sourcing Questions

  • Who was the speaker in these two documents?
  • What was the goal of each speaker in their respective speeches?

President Polk, War Message to Congress, May 11, 1846

Congressman joshua giddings, debate on the mexican war, house of representatives, washington, may 13, 1846, comprehension questions.

  • Why was it necessary to station U.S. troops between the Nueces and the Del Norte Rivers?
  • According to Polk, when did the U.S. troops move from their position?
  • Where had the Congress of Texas set its boundary?
  • What two reasons does Polk give to justify this boundary from the perspective of Texas?
  • What additional reasons does Polk give to justify this boundary?
  • What was the immediate cause of this conflict, according to General Ampudia’s warning to General Taylor?
  • Do you think it is clear from this account who fired first?
  • According to this passage, how did Mexico start this conflict?
  • What reasons does Polk give for Congress to declare war?
  • What does Giddings accuse President Polk of doing?
  • What does Giddings think the purpose of this conflict was?

Historical Reasoning Questions

  • Compare the tone of the two speeches. How does each serve to further the author’s message?
Provided that, as an express and fundamental condition to the acquisition of any territory from the Republic of Mexico, by the United States, by virtue of any treaty which may be negotiated between them, and to the use by the Executive of the moneys therein appropriated, neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall ever exist in any part of said territory, except for crime, whereof the party shall first be duly convicted. —Wilmot Proviso, 1846
  • Did Wilmot agree with Polk’s or Giddings’s explanation for the war? Explain.
  • Unlike Giddings, Polk never mentions slavery in his address. Why do you think the president focused on the issue of national sovereignty and security in his speech?

Polk’s War Message:  https://millercenter.org/the-presidency/presidential-speeches/may-11-1846-war-message-congress

Giddings:  https://www.gilderlehrman.org/sites/default/files/inline-pdfs/Full%20text%20of%20Giddings%20Speech.pdf

More from this Category

mexican american war essay questions

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

In our resource history is presented through a series of narratives, primary sources, and point-counterpoint debates that invites students to participate in the ongoing conversation about the American experiment.

  • June 8 - U.S. Senate defeats treaty of annexation with Texas
  • November - James K. Polk defeats Henry Clay to become eleventh president of the United States

José Joaquín de Herrera

  • December 5-7 - Santa Anna deposed; José Joaquín Herrera declared interim president of Mexico
  • January 2-10 - Santa Anna attacks Puebla
  • January 15 - Santa Anna captured by government forces

President John Tyler and Vice President

  • March 1 - U.S. President John Tyler signs the Brown Resolution, offering Texas terms of annexation
  • March 4 - James Knox Polk is inaugurated as the eleventh president of the United States
  • March 31 - In response to passage of the Brown Resolution, Mexico's minister to the U.S., Juan N. Almonte , requests his passports, breaking off diplomatic relations between the two countries

Mexicans fighting each other in the streets of Puebla

  • April 5 - Mexican president Herrera sends Antonio López de Santa Anna into exile in Cuba
  • July - President James K. Polk orders General Zachary Taylor to march to Corpus Christi to defend Texas frontier, and dispatches a naval squadron to the Gulf of Mexico
  • July 4 - Texas convention votes in favor of annexation to the United States
  • November - U.S. minister John Slidell arrives in Mexico
  • December 14 - San Luís Potosí garrison calls for the overthrow of Herrera
  • December 30 - Government of José Joaquín Herrera collapses in Mexico City
  • January 1 - The Yucatán declares its independence from Mexico and its neutrality in the war with the United States
  • January 4 - General Mariano Paredes takes the oath of office as president in Mexico City
  • January 13 - President Polk orders Zachary Taylor to march from Corpus Christi to the Rio Grande and orders a blockade of Vera Cruz

depiction of warships at sea

  • March - Taylor marches to Rio Grande; John Slidell leaves Mexico
  • March 18 - In Matamoros, Mexican General Francisco Mejia issues a proclamation threatening hostilities against U.S. troops

depiction of Captain Thornton fighting on horseback

  • April - General Mariano Arista takes command of the Mexican Army of the North
  • April 25 - Thornton Affair - U.S. dragoons attacked by Mexican cavalry on east bank of Rio Grande

depiction of reading news to community members

  • May 3-8 - Siege of Fort Brown
  • May 8 - Battle of Palo Alto ; John Slidell meets with President Polk
  • May 9 - News arrives in Washington of the Thornton Affair; Battle of Resaca de la Palma
  • May 11 - President's war message read to Congress
  • May 13 - United States declares war against Mexico
  • May 18 - U.S. troops occupy Matamoros

depiction of Fremont raising the flag

  • June 14 - Bear Flag revolt declared in California

depiction of naval forces

  • July 7 - U.S. naval forces occupy Monterey, California
  • July 14 - U.S. forces occupy Camargo, Tamaulipas
  • July 28 - General Paredes deposed in Mexico City by Mariano Salas
  • July 30 - General Taylor issues orders for movement of troops from Fort Brown to Camargo

depiction of Fort Marcy and parrish church

  • August - Pedro de Ampudia appointed commander of the Army of the North
  • August 16 - Santa Anna returns to Mexico from exile in Cuba
  • August 18 - U.S. forces under General Stephen W. Kearny occupy Santa Fe, New Mexico. Kearny's March
  • August 19 - U.S. troops at Camargo begins march to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon

Monterey from Independence Hill in the rear of the Bishop's Palace

  • September 21-24 - Battle of Monterrey
  • October 7 - Battle of Dominguez Rancho, Southern California

depiction of ships near the island of Lobos

  • November 14 - U.S. Navy seizes Tampico
  • November 16 - U.S. forces occupy Saltillo; Battle of Natividad, Northern California
  • November 17 - Polk orders a seaborne invasion of Vera Cruz

Stephen Kearny

  • December 6 - Battle of San Pasqual , California
  • December - Valentín Gómez Farías assumes the duties of acting president
  • December 25 - Battle of El Brazito , New Mexico

early lithograph view of Los Angeles

  • January 2 - Battle of Santa Clara, California
  • January 8 - Battle of Rio San Gabriel (Los Angeles), California
  • January 9 - Battle of La Mesa (Los Angeles), California
  • January 11 - Acting President Valentín Goméz Farías issues edict confiscating church property
  • January 19 - Taos Revolt begins; U.S. territorial governor Charles Bent killed
  • January 24 - Battles of Cañada and Mora, New Mexico
  • January 29 - Battle of Emudo Pass, New Mexico

depiction of the Battle of Buena Vista

  • February 3-4 - Battle of Pueblo de Taos, New Mexico
  • February 22-23 - Battle of Buena Vista (Angostura)
  • February 26 - Polkos Revolt begins in Mexico City
  • February 28 - Battle of the Sacramento, Northern Mexico

Bombardment of Vera-Cruz with numerous troops and gunfire

  • March 9 - 10,000 U.S. troops land on beaches by Navy at Veracruz
  • March 21 - Polkos Revolt ends
  • March 22-27 - Siege and Occupation of Veracruz
  • March 29 - Mexican forces at Veracruz surrender

Battle of Sierra Gordo showing capture of Santa Anna's carriage and wooden leg

  • April 18 - Battle of Cerro Gordo ; Battle of Tuxpan
  • May 15 - Scott occupies Puebla
  • May 20 – Santa Anna assumes the presidency

troops attacking convent in Churubusco

  • August 19 – Battle of Contreras (Padierna)
  • August 20 - Battle at Churubusco ; San Patricio battalion captured

pictorial of General Scott's entrance into Mexico City

  • September 8 - Battle of Molino Del Rey
  • September 13 - Battle of Chapultepec
  • September 13-14 - Battle for Mexico City
  • September 14 - U.S. forces under General Winfield Scott occupy Mexico City; Siege of Puebla begins
  • September 15 - Santa Anna resigns as president of Mexico

depiction of Captain Walker being killed with a spear amidst battle

  • October 9 - Battle of Huamantla
  • October 12 - Siege of Puebla ends
  • December 22 - Abraham Lincoln presents his “spot resolutions” in Congress, challenging Polks' reasons for declaring war against Mexico
  • January 24 - Gold discovered at Sutter’s Mill, Northern California

Collegiate Church of Guadalupe, a large two-story structure with domes

  • February 2 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo signed
  • February 4 - Last battle of the war fought at Santa Cruz de Rosales, New Mexico

depiction of Washington DC with Capitol in the distance and horses and carriage in foreground

  • March - Santa Anna departs for exile in Jamaica
  • March 10 - U.S. Senate ratifies Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo , with amendments

interior of the Chamber of Deputies in the Mexican National Palace

  • May 25 - Mexican Congress ratifies Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
  • June 3 - José Joaquín Herrera elected to two-year presidential term
  • July 4 - President Polk formally announces ratification of Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
  • August 2 - Last U.S. troops leave Mexico
  • November - Election of 1848 : General Zachary Taylor elected 12th U.S. president

U.S. Mexico war timeline showing dates and events from 1844 to 1848

The U.S. - Mexico War

(1846 - 1848).

Is the largest and most significant armed struggle between two nations in the western hemisphere. In Mexico, the war left a legacy of bitterness that can be seen to this day. In the United States, tensions between North and South soon eclipsed the clash with Mexico in the national imagination. Abraham Lincoln alluded to these tensions when he described the United States in 1858 as "a house divided." A decade earlier, however, North America was a divided continent, the site of conflict between two republics that had forged two very different destinies since winning their independence from European power.

War Timeline

Major Topics

  • Road to War
  • Army of Occupation
  • Northern Campaign
  • War in the West
  • War in the South
  • Women and the War
  • War at Home
  • Occupation & Aftermath

General Scott's entrance into Mexico

Home — Essay Samples — War — Mexican War — Why the U.S. Was Not Justified in Going to War with Mexico

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Why The U.s. Was not Justified in Going to War with Mexico

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Words: 866 |

Published: Sep 12, 2023

Words: 866 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

Territorial disputes: questionable claims to mexican land, the controversial outbreak of war: polk's role, ethical concerns: the impact on mexico and indigenous peoples.

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Related Essays on Mexican War

The question of justification concerning the U.S.-Mexican War (1846–1848) has remained a contested subject among historians, scholars, and policymakers. At the heart of this discourse is an inquiry into the ethical, political, [...]

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mexican american war essay questions

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The Mexican American War Trivia Quiz | History In A Nutshell

This quiz tests your knowledge on a not often discussed conflict in American history – The Mexican-American War. This war remains a source of controversy due to how the U.S. acquired Mexico’s northern territories.

How much do you know about this war between the U.S. and Mexico? Find out via the quiz below!

  • Creating a Nation

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  • Mexican–American War (1846-1848)
  • Westward Expansion in the United States
  • Mexican American War

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History in a nutshell / mexican american war.

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help i have a portfolio assignment on the Mexican-American war and i have no clue what to do

Here are answers to step 2, change the words a bit with a thesaurus and add some other details and your all set..

1. What allowed settlers to establish a colony in Texas? The territory became its own country. 2. First they had no bad conflicts between them then Texas turned on Mexico and had America help them go through with becoming independent. 3. Texas had struggled for years to get their independence which the war granted them while the Mexican government saw it as Texas being traitors. 4. They agreed on sharing land and building to get rid of people raiding their land. 5. Texas Declaration of Independence was drafted 1836. It was presided by 59 delegates aiming to outline a plan for a new republic.

The Mexican-American War shows the U.S belief of manifest destiny because it is an event that expands the land of U.S through battles. The U.S had fought and won many skirmishes against Mexico, which was politically divided and militarily unprepared. Mexico had lost 1/3 of their land to the U.S. The battles occurred because James K. Polk(U.S president in 1844) led troops toward the U.S-Mexican border with an "ample" cause for expansion and a dispute over Texas. The battle was bloody and led U.S. Congress to agree to declare war against the Mexicans. Polk and, of course, many Americans essentially had an attitude of "bringing light into the darkness" of Mexican land. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war, established land rights and offers, as well as officially establish Rio Grande as the Mexican-American border. This didn't affect BNA as the land expansion was moving in a direction away from BNA.

Mexican-american war portfolio directions.

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: 1. Research the Mexican-American War—its causes, the course of the conflict, and its results. 2. Examine the Pearson Realize Civic Discussion Sources A–E for additional information. 3. Analyze your research. 4. 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. Describe the beginnings of the conflict. 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 may use EBSCOhost databases and Grolier Online™ encyclopedias to identify reference materials for this activity. Follow the directions below to access these resources. EBSCO 1. From your EMS home page, select EBSCO under Links. 2. Select Student Research Center – High School & Middle School. 3. Narrow your search using the Search By Topic menu. 4. Narrow your search further or use the Find field, and then select the Search button. Grolier 1. From your EMS home page, select Grolier Online™ under Links. 2. Select a resource from the menu on the left or type your search criteria into the Find it Fast! Field and select the Go button. Alternatively, conduct a safe search on the Internet or at your local library for information about the Mexican-American War. Step 2 Before you write your essay, consider the following questions: 1. What allowed settlers to establish a colony in Texas? 2. How did the interaction between the settlers in Texas and the Mexican government develop and change over time? 3. How do you think the perspectives of the Texas settlers and the Mexican government would vary? 4. On what things might the Mexican government and the Texas settlers agree? 5. How can you demonstrate the differences in the perspectives about Texas and its independence with historically accurate facts? 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

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Aye, how's everyone doing i just wanna say y'all looking mighty good today, tbh my teacher badly explained what to do so thanks for the help guys 💕, list some differences between the texan and mexican perspectives..

Does anybody know the answer to this question? I'm struggling and four lessons behind and I have a C bc of the temp zeros

hey guys can you say the answer for step 1 please it's not that much to ask for not being rude

Then why you here bru 🤦, thats the answer im looking for.

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  1. Factors Prompting Support and Opposition to the Mexican-American War

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  1. The Mexican-American War Summary

  2. War & Expansion: Crash Course US History #17

  3. The Mexican-American War

  4. 6. Expansion and Slavery: Legacies of the Mexican War and the Compromise of 1850

  5. The Mexican-American War

  6. The MEXICAN-AMERICAN War [APUSH Review Unit 5 Topic 3] Period 5: 1844-1877

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  1. Mexican-American War: Causes & Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

    The Mexican-American War Begins. On April 25, 1846, Mexican cavalry attacked a group of U.S. soldiers in the disputed zone under the command of General Zachary Taylor, killing about a dozen. They ...

  2. PDF The Mexican-American War: Arguments For and Against Going to War

    The United States declared war against Mexico on May 13, 1846. The Mexican -American War (or Mexican War) lasted a little over a year and a half (from 1846 to 1848) and ended with the capture of Mexico City by US forces and the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo. This treaty gave the United

  3. Mexican American war

    The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico, fought from April 1846 to February 1848.Won by the Americans and damned by its contemporary critics as expansionist, it resulted in the U.S. gaining more than 500,000 square miles (1,300,000 square km) of Mexican territory extending westward from the Rio Grande to the Pacific Ocean.

  4. The Mexican-American War

    The Mexican-American War Essay. The US-Mexican War started on 25 April 1846 and lasted for 2 years until 1848 (Bauer, 1992). The war broke out mainly because both the US and Mexico were interested in Texas, which had gained independence from Mexico in 1836. People have divided opinion on whether the US should have been involved in this war.

  5. The Mexican American War History Essay

    The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico. It commenced on 25 April, 1846 and ended on 2 February, 1848. President Polk played a large role in the United States government's involvement with the Mexican-American War. Not all American citizens supported the war. There were many individuals who were against to ...

  6. PDF A nite tates istory Long Essay Question 3

    Scoring Guidelines and Notes for Long Essay Question 3. Evaluate the extent to which the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) marked a turning point in the debate over slavery in the United States. In the development of your argument, analyze what changed and what stayed the same from the period before the war to the period after it.

  7. Unraveling the Enigma: Tracing the Origins of the Mexican-American War

    Essay Example: The Mexican-American War, a defining chapter in the annals of history, stands as a testament to the complexities of international relations and territorial ambitions. Delving into the depths of its genesis unveils a multifaceted narrative, shrouded in intrigue and layered with

  8. Mexican-American War

    A Mexican force crossed the river at Palo Alto, and a battle took place on May 8, followed the next day by the Battle of Resaca de la Palma. Polk claimed to Congress that Mexico had "invaded our territory and shed American blood on American soil.". The United States declared war on Mexico on May 13. The war stirred nationalistic feelings in ...

  9. Mexican-American War Questions and Answers

    Start an essay Ask a question Join Sign in. Study Guides ; Homework Help ... Mexican-American War Questions and Answers What was the turning point in the Mexican-American War?

  10. The Mexican-American War: Arguments for and against Going to War

    Stay up to date, and subscribe to our quarterly newsletter. Learn how the Institute impacts history education through our work guiding teachers, energizing students, and supporting research.

  11. PDF Topics for Research and Discussion

    Below we offer a few sample topics that will allow you to begin your exploration of the U.S.-Mexican War as presented in our book. Slavery and the U.S.-Mexican War One of the recurring themes of The U.S.-Mexican War: A Binational Readeris the topic of slavery. The issue of slavery appears in numerous selections in the book, such as "John ...

  12. Debating the Mexican-American War, May 1846

    On May 11, 1846, President James K. Polk sent a special message to Congress asking for a declaration of war against Mexico. In his message, the president outlined a series of grievances against the Mexican government and argued that the Mexicans had started a war by attacking U.S. soldiers in southern Texas. Congress declared war two days after ...

  13. PDF Mexican-American War Mini-Q Was the United States Justified in Going to

    Background Essay Mexican-American War Mini-Q Was the United States Justified in Going to War With Mexico? America's wars have often been controver-sial. The American Revolution had the support of only one-third of the American colonists. The War of 1812 caused several New England states to threaten secession. Entry into World War I was ...

  14. Was The United States Justified in Going to War with Mexico

    It was a conflict that raised questions about the nation's motives, its expansionist goals, and the ethical considerations surrounding the war. This document-based question (DBQ) essay will explore the key factors that led to the Mexican-American War, examine the justifications presented by both sides, and ultimately evaluate whether the United ...

  15. PDF Mexican-American War

    Mexican-American War. One hundred and seventy-three years ago in May of 1846, Congress was deciding. whether or not the United States should declare war on Mexico. President James K. Polk said to. Congress, '"Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, has invaded our territory, and. shed American blood upon the American soil. ..

  16. Home Page

    U.S. Pacific Squadron. War in the South. Intro: War in the South. Siege and Occupation of Vera Cruz. Scott's March Inland. Cerro Gordo. Push to the Valley of Mexico. Contreras and Churubusco. Molino del Rey and Chapultepec.

  17. Mexican American War Essay

    Mexican American War Essay. The Mexican American War began on April 25, 1846. The war lasted two years losing many men on both sides. The Mexican war was the third major fought by the United States. In 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla triggers the beginning of Mexico's fight for independence from Spain. Mexico gained its independence in 1821 ...

  18. Why The U.s. Was not Justified in Going to War with Mexico

    The U.S. government's failure to protect the rights and well-being of these indigenous populations in the aftermath of the war underscores the ethical concerns associated with the conflict. The long-term consequences of the Mexican-American War extended beyond the immediate territorial gains. It left a legacy of distrust and tension between the ...

  19. Mexican American War Essay

    Mexican American War Essay. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. The struggles of being a soldier, all the hard work and pain they had to go through on a daily basis, the traumatizing events and effects of the war on these poor humans ...

  20. Mexican-American War DBQ Documents

    Sixth Period: 1:42pm to 2:32pm. Mexican-American War DBQ Documents. In 1846 the United States went to war with México. Like several wars the United States has fought, this war had its strong supporters and critics. Compared to the Civil War, which was fought just fifteen years later, the Mexican War sometimes seems like a small thing.

  21. Was The Mexican American War Justified Dbq Analysis

    The Mexican-American movement started in 1846 and ended in 1848. The US and Mexico were fighting over the border. The Mexican-American War was a disputed boundary between the U.S. and Texas on the Nueces Strip. Mexico did not recognize Texas as an American Territory and Texas's admission to the U.S. I think the war was not justified because the ...

  22. The Mexican American War Trivia Quiz

    This quiz tests your knowledge on a not often discussed conflict in American history - The Mexican-American War. This war remains a source of controversy due to how the U.S. acquired Mexico's northern territories. How much do you know about this war between the U.S. and Mexico? Find out via the quiz below! Grades: 4 8 Higher Education ...

  23. help i have a portfolio assignment on the Mexican-American war and i

    2. The Mexican-American War shows the U.S belief of manifest destiny because it is an event that expands the land of U.S through battles. The U.S had fought and won many skirmishes against Mexico, which was politically divided and militarily unprepared. Mexico had lost 1/3 of their land to the U.S.