Sights to See: Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American war was between Mexico and the US over control of Texas. The US, under President Polk, made Texas a state in March of 1845, but the Mexican President knew his people would never accept the loss of Texas. While Polk negotiated the Texas boundaries, he sent an army to the Rio Grande with orders to kill anyone who crosses the border. It took about a year, but in April 1846, Mexican troops crossed the Rio Grande, officially starting the war.
The war divided Congress and the nation. 1 in 8 US soldiers died in camps from heat and disease. The Mexican force fought bravely, but the Americans had better technology and weapons. After many battles, the US soldiers reached Mexico city. After rough fighting, Mexico City surrendered in September 1847.
The war divided Congress and the nation. 1 in 8 US soldiers died in camps from heat and disease. The Mexican force fought bravely, but the Americans had better technology and weapons. After many battles, the US soldiers reached Mexico city. After rough fighting, Mexico City surrendered in September 1847.
Map
This map shows some of the forts, boundaries, and battle sites during the Mexican-American War.
Traveler Reviews
President Polk
October 1st 1847,
The war is finally over! It has been a long war, but in the end, Mexico City finally surrendered. Whenever Congress and I agreed to let Texas become a state, I never thought we would have this much trouble from the Mexican Army. They did not have the resources to fight a war and we had superior technology. In the end, they put up a good fight, but not good enough. Unfortunately, we lost 12,518 soldiers and we spent almost $100 million on the war, but I think it was worth it. America now has control of Texas.
The war is finally over! It has been a long war, but in the end, Mexico City finally surrendered. Whenever Congress and I agreed to let Texas become a state, I never thought we would have this much trouble from the Mexican Army. They did not have the resources to fight a war and we had superior technology. In the end, they put up a good fight, but not good enough. Unfortunately, we lost 12,518 soldiers and we spent almost $100 million on the war, but I think it was worth it. America now has control of Texas.
President José Joaquín Herrera
October 1st 1847,
I knew going into this war that we did not have enough resources to win, but I knew my people would never let the Americans take Texas without a fight. The war was long and brutal, but I think we put up a decent fight. Even though our economy is now in shambles, the Americans also suffered loss. I heard that they lost over 12,00 soldiers and they spent a fortune. Even thought we lost Texas, I am glad this war is finally over.
I knew going into this war that we did not have enough resources to win, but I knew my people would never let the Americans take Texas without a fight. The war was long and brutal, but I think we put up a decent fight. Even though our economy is now in shambles, the Americans also suffered loss. I heard that they lost over 12,00 soldiers and they spent a fortune. Even thought we lost Texas, I am glad this war is finally over.
Photographs
The Mexican-American War was significant for the American Westward Expansion because it secured Texas. Although the War cost a lot of money and many people died, it was a huge part of American history. It expanded America even further west. You should definitely visit to see how the great state of Texas came to belong to America.