Mexican-American War

Definition

The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily over territorial disputes following the U.S. annexation of Texas. This war resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming, which were pivotal for westward expansion and the Cotton Revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war was sparked by disputes over Texas borders after it was annexed by the U.S. in 1845, with both nations claiming different boundaries.
2. Famed U.S. military leaders like General Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott played significant roles in the war, leading American forces to several victories.
3. The war was controversial in the U.S., with many opposing it on moral grounds, fearing it would expand slavery into new territories.
4. The conflict significantly fueled tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in Congress, contributing to the debates that led to the Civil War.
5. The U.S. victory resulted in the acquisition of approximately 525,000 square miles of territory, greatly influencing future economic development and westward expansion.

Review Questions

• How did the Mexican-American War impact the concept of Manifest Destiny in the United States?
  • The Mexican-American War served as a catalyst for the idea of Manifest Destiny, which was the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across North America. The acquisition of vast territories after the war validated this ideology, as it not only fulfilled expansionist desires but also increased tensions regarding slavery's extension into these new regions. The war provided a tangible outcome for those who supported Manifest Destiny, emphasizing America's role in shaping its own borders.
• Discuss how the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo altered the political landscape in both Mexico and the United States post-war.
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo drastically changed the political landscape by ceding over half of Mexico's territory to the United States, including present-day California and New Mexico. In Mexico, this loss deepened political instability and resentment toward the U.S., contributing to future conflicts. In contrast, within the U.S., debates intensified over whether slavery would be allowed in these newly acquired territories, leading to heightened sectional tensions that foreshadowed the Civil War.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Mexican-American War on American society and its implications for westward expansion.
  • The long-term effects of the Mexican-American War on American society were profound. It not only expanded U.S. territory but also intensified discussions about slavery's role in new states, which fueled regional conflicts leading up to the Civil War. The newfound lands facilitated agricultural expansion, particularly cotton production, aligning with economic interests in the South. Furthermore, it encouraged settlement and migration into these territories, shaping America's demographic and cultural landscape in subsequent decades.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: A 19th-century belief that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, leading to Mexico ceding a large portion of its northern territory to the United States.

Texas Revolution: A rebellion of colonists from the United States against Mexican rule in Texas, which led to Texas' independence and eventual annexation by the U.S.