Mexican-American War

Definition

The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily fueled by territorial disputes following the U.S. annexation of Texas. This war significantly shaped the boundaries of modern-day America and had lasting impacts on regions like New Mexico, as well as on cultural and political dynamics in the West.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mexican-American War resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States, adding approximately one-third of Mexico's territory to the U.S.
2. One major consequence of the war was the establishment of the New Mexico Territory in 1850, which was created as a direct result of the territorial acquisitions made during this conflict.
3. The war intensified debates over slavery in the newly acquired territories, contributing to tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.
4. Many Anglo-American settlers moved to New Mexico after the war, influencing local governance, culture, and economics as they established communities in the region.
5. The cultural impact of the war is reflected in New Mexican literature, which often explores themes of identity and cultural blending as a result of this complex historical backdrop.

Review Questions

• How did the Mexican-American War influence American interest in New Mexico and its subsequent governance?
  • The Mexican-American War heightened American interest in New Mexico as it became part of U.S. territory following the conflict. The war led to a surge of Anglo-American settlers moving into New Mexico, who were eager to exploit its resources and establish agricultural communities. This influx changed local governance structures as these new settlers began to influence political decisions and policies within the newly formed New Mexico Territory.
• Discuss the implications of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo for New Mexico's development as a territory.
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo established the framework for New Mexico's future as a U.S. territory by formalizing its borders and governance structures. The treaty required that existing Mexican laws be respected initially but also opened the door for changes driven by Anglo settlers. This shift led to a transformation in land ownership and local politics, with many Hispanic residents facing challenges to their rights and land claims.
• Evaluate how the Mexican-American War shaped regional culture and literature in New Mexico post-war.
  • The aftermath of the Mexican-American War created a unique cultural landscape in New Mexico where Anglo-American and Hispanic cultures intersected. This blending is evident in New Mexican literature that emerged during this period, which often reflects themes of displacement, identity crisis, and cultural hybridization. Writers explored how the war altered traditional ways of life and how different communities navigated their identities in a rapidly changing political landscape.

Related terms

Annexation of Texas: The incorporation of the Republic of Texas into the United States in 1845, which led to heightened tensions between the U.S. and Mexico.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, leading to the U.S. acquisition of present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century belief that American expansion across the continent was both justified and inevitable, driving much of the U.S. policy during this era.