Conclusion

The United States and Mexico could not agree on the border

between them.The United States claimed that Mexican

soldiers crossed over to attack some American soldiers. Some

in the United States said it was just an excuse to get land

claimed by Mexico. Others feared that the practice of slavery

would spread to new land gained by war.

Most of Congress as well as President Polk were for the

war.They believed in Manifest Destiny, and Polk wanted

California. In May 1846, the United States declared war.

It became known as the Mexican–American War.

News of the war took more than a month to reach

California. On July 2, Commodore John D. Sloat, a

commander of U.S. Navy ships in the Pacific, waited for

news. He had orders to take California ports when war

broke out. He decided to take action on July 7, and raised

the American flag over Monterey.Yerba Buena and San

Francisco Bay were captured, and Commodore Robert

Stockton took San Diego and Los Angeles. Thus the

Success of the Americans Caused for the Mexicans to

eventually surrender and sign a treaty.

General Santa Anna

Antonio López de Santa Anna, born on February 21, 1794, in Jalapa, Mexico, became a military captain and was elected president in 1833, known for his efforts in staving off Spain’s attempt to recapture the country. Santa Anna was later involved in conflicts with France and the U.S., including the secession of Texas, and was seen as responsible for much of Mexico’s turmoil. He died on June 21, 1876.Texas, using the chaos in Mexico as a pretext, declared independence in 1836. Santa Anna himself marched on the rebellious state with a massive army. The invasion was conducted poorly: Santa Anna ordered crops burned, prisoners shot and livestock killed, alienating many Texans who might have supported him. After he defeated the rebels at the Battle of the Alamo, Santa Anna unwisely divided his forces, allowing Sam Houston to surprise him at the Battle of San Jacinto. Santa Anna was captured and forced to negotiate with the Mexican government for recognition of Texas' independence and sign papers saying he recognized the Republic of Texas.

Interesting Facts

Some interesting facts about the war is that throughout the war the U.S was constantly outnumbered by a the most of a 3:1 ratio in the war . And despite this they overcame it with superior firepower and overall better strategical thinking. During the battle of Chapultepec some kids about the age of 13-19 gave their lives to defend a very important fort heading towards Mexico City, it is said that when the Americans were drawing in on the fort one of the young mexican lads actually wrapped himself in the flag and jumped off a cliff to protect the flag from falling into enemy hands. These kids today are honored as national heroes and have monuments all over the world and streets named after them. But the most important statue lies within the fort that they were protecting which is now a school. They are known as " Los Ninos Heroes"

Why i Chose this Topic

The reason i chose this topic is because i think that not very many people come to realize how significant were the effects the war had on people for example if it wouldnt have been for this war the United States wouldnt have all the land it does today. And also to admire and take into acceptance the Mexican-American heritage some of us have in us. I also chose this topic becuase it interests me on how the United States came to be and how it came to rule from coast to coast. This was helped shaped alot of the geographical features the U.S. now had after all it did double the size of the country. For Example we would not have California or Arizona. After the Treaty Of Guadalupe -Hidalgo this helped relations with the U.S and Mexico and later contributed to later agreements such as ( NAFTA).

World Perspective

I Chose this topic because while it is known i don't think many people understand the importance of this time not just the war. Because this was a few years were technology was beginning to advance due to the Industrial Revolution new advancement in weapons and railroads made possible for faster and a more suitable warfare on the battlefield. During this time the camera had also come out in France making it possible for people to relive the events that happened during the war. The U.S. had also started recovering from the war of 1812 with the British and the Mexican from their independence from Spain. This made it possible to focus on more specific things such as creating breakthroughs in the Sciene and Weapon making industries and to also start gearing up their armies.

Time Frame

The War took place between 1846-1848 in 1836  before the war had happened General Santa Anna Led an Army to crush revolt in Texas. Texas Had Revolted because it was not happy with Mexican authority and government rule. In That same year the Texans defeated Santa Anna's army. in 1844 James K. Polk had advocated the Annexation of Texas  in March 1 1845 outgoing president John Tyler signs Congressional Resolution to annex Texas. in June 16, 1845 Texas congress accepts U.S. offer of Annexation, Mexico refuses to commemorate Texas as part of the United States Of America. May 1846 Polk asks for congress to declare war on Mexico. In May 8-9 1846 in the  Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma General Taylor's army wins both of these battles eventually pushing the Mexicans back across the Rio Grande. in February 23-24 of 1847 in the Battle of Buena Vista Although Taylor's army is outnumbered 15,000 to 5,000 its firepower defeats Santa Anna's troops and sends them retreating toward the south. April 19-20 Althouhg greatly outnumbered again ( 12,000-8,000) General Scott's army defeats the Mexican army in the battle of Cerro Gordo opening a clear path to Mexico City. in September of 12-13 of 1847 The US march into Mexico City the capital of Mexico and eventually win the battle thus ending the war in the treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo both countries ratify the treaty  

Why it Was Important

The Mexican-American War was a war between Mexico and the United States that took place from 1846 to 1848. This was a very important War to the US because despite the fact that the United States had attempted to buy land from Mexico, Mexico kept declining offers.This was getting in the way of the american dream and fulfillment of Manifest Destiny. In which the US had the hopes of expanding from ocean to ocean which eventually it did. The War was very important because it had and still does have a major impact in the way we live. If it wouldn't have been for the war we might all be speaking Spanish right now. And it also helped shape out a lot of the United States geographical features. This war plus the Gadsen Purchase made it possible for the US to finally reach its dream and goal of expanding from ocean to ocean. That is why this Was and Still is Important.