U.S.-Mexico War

Definition

The U.S.-Mexico War, fought from 1846 to 1848, was a conflict between the United States and Mexico that resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S. The war was rooted in the U.S. annexation of Texas and disputes over its southern border, ultimately leading to American control of present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. This war significantly impacted Chicano identity and U.S.-Mexico relations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The U.S.-Mexico War was sparked by a combination of factors, including border disputes after the annexation of Texas and a desire for westward expansion.
2. The conflict resulted in approximately 13,000 American and 25,000 Mexican deaths, along with widespread destruction in Mexico.
3. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848, which established the Rio Grande as the border between Texas and Mexico.
4. As a result of the war, the United States acquired about 500,000 square miles of territory, which significantly altered the political landscape of North America.
5. The consequences of the war contributed to long-standing tensions between Mexican Americans and Anglo settlers, impacting Chicano identity and culture.

Review Questions

• What were the key causes of the U.S.-Mexico War, and how did they shape relations between the two countries?
  • The key causes of the U.S.-Mexico War included border disputes following Texas' annexation by the U.S. and America's belief in Manifest Destiny. These factors fueled tensions as both nations sought to assert their territorial claims. The war fundamentally altered U.S.-Mexico relations by establishing a long-lasting impact on how both countries viewed each other, creating a legacy of mistrust and conflict.
• Discuss the outcomes of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and its significance for both Mexico and Mexican Americans.
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo marked a significant turning point for both Mexico and Mexican Americans. It led to Mexico ceding over half its territory to the United States while also granting citizenship rights to Mexicans living in these areas. This treaty significantly shaped Mexican American identity, as many found themselves living in a new nation that often marginalized them.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the U.S.-Mexico War on Chicano identity and how it influenced later movements for civil rights.
  • The U.S.-Mexico War had profound long-term effects on Chicano identity by creating a sense of displacement among Mexican Americans who found their cultural ties severed by national borders. This sense of loss and marginalization contributed to the rise of the Chicano Movement in the mid-20th century, which aimed to reclaim rights and recognition for Mexican Americans. The movement sought not only social justice but also a reassertion of cultural identity in response to the historical consequences of the war.

Related terms

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo:

The treaty that officially ended the U.S.-Mexico War in 1848, leading to Mexico ceding over half of its territory to the United States.

Manifest Destiny:

A 19th-century doctrine that argued it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America, often used to justify the war with Mexico.

Chicano Movement:

A civil rights movement during the 1960s and 1970s that sought to achieve political and social equality for Mexican Americans and address the legacy of the U.S.-Mexico War.