Mexican War/US Land and Territory

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Mexican War/US Land and Territory
The Mexican American War caused many people to lose lives and could have been avoided. President Polk wanted more land and liked the idea of expanding the US. As a result of the war, the US had acquired more than 525,000 square miles of land. Many historians believe that the Mexican War was an unnecessary attack on a weaker country. The Mexican war had many causes and effects but ultimately Mexico lost.
The Mexican American war happened for many reasons. Around 1835, Texas went against the Mexican government. "One of these disputes was the question of the boundary between Texas and Mexico (Downey)." The Mexican government owned Texas at the time. In 1844, James Polk was elected President. "More important was a growing feeling in the US that the country had a "Manifest Destiny" to expand westward into new lands (Downey)." He really liked the idea of expanding the US and because of that he supported the Annexation of Texas. Texas became a state in 1845 and so Mexico broke off all relations with the US. The US also said that Mexico owed the US $3 million to make up for lives and property lost. Americans demanded the US take it by force. There were many reasons that caused the Mexican War to happen.
The Americans had two objectives, more land and to invade Mexico. The US wanted land that they had asked Mexico to sell. "Despite all the American victories Mexico refused to negotiate a peace treaty (Downey)." They wanted to invade Mexico to force the Mexicans to accept they lost they land. "The US paid $15 million for land” (Downey). Mexicans in lands were to be treated just like US citizens were. Mexico lost 2/3 of its pre war territory including Texas. America took California, Nevada, Utah, Colorad...

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...n objectives of the war, more land and to invade Mexico. America gained lots of land and also revived the thought of slavery. The US gained the regions of California Nevada and Utah. They also acquired most of Arizona New Mexico and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. Many historians believe the Mexican war wasn't needed and was an unnecessary attack on a weaker country.

Works Cited

"Chapter 8: The Mexican War and After." Chapter 8: The Mexican War and After. Combat Studies Institute Press, 2007. Web. 13 Mar. 2014.
"Mexican American War Timeline." Mexican American War Timeline. Web. 14 Mar. 2014. .
"Mexican-American War." History.com. A&E Television Networks. Web. 14 Mar. 2014. .
"Mexican War." World Book Online InfoFinder. World Book, 2014. Web. 5 Mar. 2014.

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