Why Was The Mexican American War Unjust?

The United States’ war with Mexico continues to be a divisive topic as it gave the US large plots of land but has controversial roots. The Mexican American War was a two-year armed conflict between Mexico and the United States of America. Although the United States’ war against Mexico resulted in the gaining of America’s most valuable land, the war itself was unjust because Texas’ reasons for independence were illegitimate, it was used to expand slavery, and the war was declared on false pretence. When examining the petty reasons behind the Texas Revolution, which led to war with Mexico, one can safely conclude that the consequent war was unjust. According to a letter written by a Tejano to a Mexican military commander, “We cannot trust the Anglo-American colonists because they are continually demonstrating that they refuse to follow our laws, unless it is convenient for them.” As Rafael Antonio Manchola states, the Texans were

However, President Polk sent troops to disputed area, Mexico thought it was Mexican land, but the US saw it as American soil. Yes, 16 American soldiers were killed but they had full military clothing and were completely armed, on what Mexico saw as their land. Mexico saw this as a threat and decided to attack the troops, in order to defend their country. This was a result of confusion and lack of communication, but Polk can and should be blamed. He knew it would incite a fight and used it as justification to go to war. Since Texas’ independence was fought for invalid reasons, the war was used to extend the boundaries of slavery, and was based on inaccurate representations, the Mexican American war was dishonorable. The “war” was similar to an invasion and was used to spread cruel practices. It’s effects are still observable to this day, as it gave the US vast areas of land and significantly changed the boundaries of the two