Eisenhower, John S. D. So Far From God: The U. S. War with Mexico 1846 – 1848. New York: Random House, 1989, xxvi, 436.
Mr. John Eisenhower is a retired Army General from Westchester, Pennsylvania. He is also the son of retired General and later President, Dwight D. Eisehower. He is an author as well as a military historian. Mr. Eisenhower’s other works include, The Bitter Woods, published in 1987 and critically acclaimed by Life magazine author, S. L. A. Marshall as being “written with power by a true military historian.” Reviews of his work from The New Yorker and New York Times Book Review describe his accounts as “Exceptionally interesting” and “Written with enthusiasm that is hard to resist.” Using his military background, Mr. Eisenhower was able to bring an unbiased opinion to the U. S. war with Mexico by pointing out strengths and weaknesses on both sides of the conflict.
The author’s purpose is to provide a more accurate account of the war with Mexico from 1846 – 1848. Mr. Eisenhower also attempts to give the reader a better understanding of the conflict between these two countries, which has been overshadowed by the Civil War, thirteen years later. John Eisenhower’s portrayal of the officers and politicians in this conflict is detailed and it highlights the early careers of many of our Civil War legends. The technology of warfare at this time is well depicted. The advances in American artillery such as the use of the grape shot over canister rounds, the superior d...
Starting with the first chapter, Deverell examines the racial and ethnic violence that took place in the wake of American defeat. In no more than thirty years or so, ethnic relations had appeased and the Mexican people were outnumbered quickly (as well as economically marginalized and politically disenfranchised), as the second chapter discloses. The author examines a variety of topics to further his case but the most compelling and captivating sections of the book come into the third, fourth and fifth chapters. The third chapter focuses its attention
This book by Otis A. Singletary deals with different aspects of the Mexican war. It is a compelling description and concise history of the first successful offensive war in United States military history. The work examines two countries that were unprepared for war. The political intrigues and quarrels in appointing the military commanders, as well as the military operations of the war, are presented and analyzed in detail. The author also analyzes the role that the Mexican War played in bringing on the U.S. Civil War.
After suffering from numerous wars, including the Mexican-American war and the Mexican civil war of 1858, the 19th century country of Mexico was nearly reduced to bankruptcy and impoverishment. This left the country unable to pay back the many foreign debts that had accumulated over the years, and as a result, gave way to the invasion of English, Spanish, and French troops into Mexico. Within a year, English and Spanish troops withdrew after civil negotiations, but Napoleon III of France decided to take this opportunity to establish a Latin empire that would further progress the nation’s tyrannical regime. By late 1861, a well-armed French fleet stormed the port city of Veracruz, landing a large French force that drove the Mexicans into retreat. Moving on to the capital of Mexico City, the French sought to obliterate any Mexican resistance, taking over Mexico City and thus the country. Upon getting to the small town of Puebla, however, the well-armed, well-trained French soldiery encountered heavy resistance. The 8,000 strong French army attacked the smaller, poorly trained Mexican army of 4,500. Although the odds appeared to be stacked against the inadequately prepared Mexican army, the Mexicans prevailed on May 5th, 1862. Known as “the premier army of the world” at the tim...
The Battle of the Alamo was a focal point in the Texas Revolution. How could the events of the battle been different? In this paper I will discuss the plea from the Alamo’s commander, begging for reinforcements, as the Mexican army enclosed around the Alamo compound. I will recount the events of the morning siege that took place by Santa Anna’s army as they overran the Texan opposition. I will discuss the quick decimation of the Alamo and its tenants as described in history and an alternative ending to this bloody battle. The Texas government had organized and declared independence on March 2nd while the Alamo was under siege. Washington-on-the-Brazos was the home of the convention where the Texas delegates formed the constitution. Soon after
The actual time of the battle was short, its events often vague or at least varied depending on the narrator’s perspective, and the arena for the battle was that of a Roman-Catholic mission. For the Mexican people, the Alamo would eventually lead, though perhaps not directly, to the severe reduction of their country’s lands and open the door to the Mexican-American War. For the Americans, the epic tale of the Alamo’s events would forge myths, convert men into legends, and serve as t...
1. Upon entering the bar for the first time, Frank displays many of the motivational theories listed in the book. Frank enters the bar in order to find a place for his homosexual preferences to be shown. Instinctually he prefers men to women and is driven into the dark alley and the bar by this biologically determined need. We learn from his wife’s reaction when the girls are having daiquiris that she and Frank are not having sex very often which according to the book is a basic need, so Frank according to the drive-reduction approach is driven to the bar to fulfil himself. This lack of sex that he is having at home also can lead to the application of the Arousal approach to motivation where Frank is trying to seek out sources of stimulation and activity because his home life doesn’t provide any. Finally, cognitive approach to motivation implies that Frank was motivated to go to the bar in search of fulfilling a goal. In this case the motivation was intrinsic he only was interested in enjoying himself, he knew that nothing tangible could come from this, for it must be kept a secret. All of Frank’s actions and motivations fit into the pyramid developed by Maslow. In order to attain a state of self-actualization Frank needed to develop all of the steps below. He tried through work, his wife, and a large house to make himself believe he was fulfilled but with out the basic physiological need at the bottom of the pyramid he never would be truly happy.
Beginning in 1845 and ending in 1850 a series of events took place that would come to be known as the Mexican war and the Texas Revolution. This paper will give an overview on not only the events that occurred (battles, treaties, negotiations, ect.) But also the politics and reasoning behind it all. This was a war that involved America and Mexico fighting over Texas. That was the base for the entire ordeal. This series of events contained some of the most dramatic war strategy that has ever been implemented.
Artillery in the United States military throughout the years has evolved with the times, becoming more prominent with the addition of new technology and the refining of tactics. Innovations to the maneuverability and capabilities of artillery in the United States Army was proven critical in shaping the outcomes of battles. Battles during the Mexican-American war were a perfect example of how these innovations made instant impacts. This paper will discuss the progressive heritage and history of artillery, the evolution of artillery, and the effects artillery had on the military problem and leadership.
In February 2, 1848, the final armistice treaty Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, through which the United States government got the access to entire area of California, Nevada, Utah plus some territory in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Wyoming. As a compensation, the United States government paid 18.25 million dollars to Mexico.( Pecquet, Gary M., and C. F. Thies. 2010) However, apart from the death of people, Mexico lost half of its territory in this war, which initiate Mexican’s hostile towards American. In addition, after the Mexican-American war, there was an absence of national sense in Mexican, which had a negative effect on the unity and development of the country.
This book can be given a measure of credibility based upon the education that Huffine brings to the table. Furthermore, Huffine’s military and devoted energy as an editor for Alamo de Parras show his dedication to providing accurate information. His military background perhaps explains the extensive tactical breakdown of both the Alamo and San Jacinto found in the book. Leading off from this book, one might be able to further research the motivating factors to why Santa Ana switched political roles so
Monroy, Douglas. Thrown Among Strangers: The Making of Mexican Culture in Frontier California . 1990.
Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian turns a harsh eye to the realities that possibly existed during the westward expansion in the mid-nineteenth century. Through the use of brutality and gratuitous violence readers, a presented with an interpretation of events that have mostly been white-washed to allow for the continued national pride for Americans. Historically looking at the events preceding the Mexican-American War many of the far-flung events written in Blood Meridian can almost seem to be true tales and not fictitious fancies. The separation of tall tales from accurate events are tasks best left to historians, but from these vague interpretations, a basic understanding of past histories can be glimpsed.
In fact, Mexico had a fictitious army: there was a cadre of officers, but the troops they had to send were lacking. To make matters worse, the officers were enveloped by political supporters and remained in constant rivalry. In addition, the armament was inadequate and minimal resources. On the other hand, the population lacked a true sense of nationality and pessimism had undermined the most consensual social strata. Given these conditions, the war was somewhat beneficial despite its obvious negative results. It left the seed of a more widespread nationalism, helped the maturation of Mexican politics, which saw political parties appear during the following decades would wage the final battle to settle the nation's political future. The war therefore left Mexico at a crossroads, but the country, after being aware of it, had to defend its sovereignty with greater certainty. For its part, the United States emerged from the war turned into a continental power. His future material progress was largely a result of it, but by consolidating his expansionist zeal he accelerated the struggle that from years ago was outlined between the north and the south. Thus, despite being victorious, they found themselves deeply divided and were victims of a very bloody war. Viewed from the perspective, it can be said against the traditional Mexican belief that war was essential for the development of the countries and that, despite the trauma of defeat and loss of territory, there were positive results for the Mexicans. A new, more conscious generation had lived the disaster and was determined to achieve a new
This two year war was over the land of Texas, or any land in between the US and the Pacific Ocean, and who would own it. With a single misunderstandment, sixteen American troops and an unknown amount of Mexican troops were killed; Polk saw this as a means to war. American troops were outnumbered and attacked by the Texas-established border of Rio Grande. Both sides considered Texas to be theirs, although Texas had been annexed to the United States. Many saw the annexation of Texas as a curse, but some saw it as a blessing. One in particular, John L. O’Sullivan, states that the American citizens should embrace Texas with hospitality and that soon enough California will be theirs too. He states that although weak, Mexico has challenged the nation and is restricting them from completing the plans of God (DOC A). To have a war, both houses of Congress must consent. After Polk’s War Message that stated he had stationed troops at Rio Grande to protect Texas; it was his duty because Texas was now a part of the Union now. He tells of the attack and then states that Mexico has crossed a line and now they must not surrender, they must fight back. On May 13, 1846 the houses voted; in the US Senate it was forty to two, in the House of Representatives it was one hundred and seventy-four to fourteen (DOC B). From Mexico’s viewpoint, they saw the annexation of Texas to be “inadmissible for both legal and security reasons” (DOC C).
The Mexican-American war of 1846-1848, a contentious checkpoint in history, was the bloodshed of both the Mexican and American army over the Texas revolution and annexation. In spite of all of America’s debatable actions, the decision to wage war with Mexico was to the fullest degree, justifiable. Mexico’s inadequate government, violence and mistreatment of settlers prove America’s steps to provide for the common defense and declaration of war as worthwhile.