Mexican American War Summary

The Mexican-American War was in fact an unconstitutional war. Its origins can be traced back to the belief of Manifest Destiny, which fostered the idea that Americans were predestined to expand west disregarding existing land ownership by Mexico. The President at the time James K. Polk was an advocate of this idea and prompted aggression by advancing troops into disputed land. Furthermore, he authorized retaliation without the approval of Congress after Mexico sought to defend its territory. In brief, the Mexican-American War was waged unconstitutionally in an attempt to disguise Manifest Destiny behind self-defense. In the essay War with Mexico: Message from President James K. Polk to Congress by James A. Crutchfield gives a detailed narration of the events preceding the Mexican American War and the message President Polk sent Congress. Crutchfield states, “The Mexican Forces at Matamoros… notified General Taylor to break up his camp within twenty-four hours and retire beyond the Nueces (Crutchfield, 554).” This is important because it shows that Mexico initially tried to have a peaceful resolution to the U.S advancement on to Mexican territory to which the Americans responded with continued

In the book The Course of Mexican History, Michael C. Meyer recounts the resolution of the conflict. Meyer states, “After a series of difficult negotiations, the treaty ending the war was signed…The treaty confirmed the United States the title to Texas and ceded the huge California and New Mexico territories as well (Meyer, 303).” An effective completion of the Manifest Destiny plan of the United States. Meyer also goes on to mention, “The war and its treaty left a legacy of hostility that would not be easily overcome (Meyer, 303).” This is an incredibly important statement that echoes in to modern day tension between the U.S and