Essay On Mexican American War

The 1846 war between Mexico and the United States was a complex and multifaceted conflict, driven by territorial disputes, ideological differences, and economic interests. Although multiple factors contributed to the conflict, the primary reason for the Mexican-American War in 1846 was the dispute over Texas annexation, fueled by American expansionist ambitions and Mexico's refusal to recognize Texas as a sovereign state. The conflict can be traced back to the strained relationship between Mexico and Texas, which had been brewing for years. The territorial issues surrounding Texas, including the Transcontinental Treaty of 1819 and Spain's limited claim to the territory, also contributed to the conflict.

Both the letter from Abel Upshur to

The strained relationship between the two countries came to a head when Mexico offered to recognize Texas as an independent nation in exchange for a promise not to join the Union, a proposal that was ultimately rejected. Upshur's letter also sheds light on the complicated territorial issues surrounding Texas, including the Transcontinental Treaty of 1819 and Spain's limited claim to the territory. While Upshur insists that the treaty did not relinquish the United States' claim to Texas, it is worth noting that many Mexicans and some Americans believed otherwise. Upshur's warning that Santa Anna would consider annexation by the United States equivalent to a declaration of war proved to be prescient, as the annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845 ultimately led to the Mexican-American War. Similarly, the diary entries by Manuel de la Pena, a cabinet member to General Jose Herrera, details the events leading up to the Mexican-American War in 1846. Pena expresses concern about the American election of 1844, stating that if Polk is elected with his

Pena also criticizes the United States for its greed and attempts to enlarge its boundaries and describes their actions as a brutal knee in Mexico's belly. In October 1845, the American Consul proposes talks between the two governments, but Pena requires American naval forces to withdraw from their seas off Vera Cruz as a condition. When the American envoy arrives, they inform Mexico that an invasion of Texas would mean war, to which Mexico responds that the admission of Texas into the Union would constitute a declaration of war. There are also rumors that the United States wishes to buy parts of New Mexico and California, which Mexico finds insulting. In March 1845, the United States annexes Texas, leading to the breakdown of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Finally, in April 1845, Mexico dispatches troops to cross the Rio Grande and secure Mexican territory by driving the Americans back across the Nueces River. The Mexican-American War is a complex event with many underlying causes, including territorial disputes and tensions over slavery, but this