2

.docx

School

Fresno Pacific University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

441

Subject

History

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

4

Uploaded by MajorSpider823

Report
2.3 History in Court: The Mexican American War Maranda M Reberry Fresno Pacific University HIST 441: California History and Politics Dr. Ken Martens Friesen 21 January 2024
2.3 History in Court: The Mexican American War The Mexican American War, which took place from 1846 to 1848, stands out among numerous conflicts in history due to its unparalleled consequences and enduring scars. Unfolding within the boundaries of present-day Texas, this war was ignited by a nation driven by insatiable greed, solely fixated on expanding its territorial holdings and unlawfully seizing Mexican land. Consequently, the United States emerged as a dominant power, wrongfully acquiring more than 500,000 square miles of Mexico's territory. Despite the Mexican government receiving a compensation of $15,000,000 from the United States to cover war losses (Gray, 2021), this amount fails to adequately address the profound loss of land suffered by Mexico. Presenting the case on behalf of the Mexican government, I aim to prosecute the United States government for its illegal initiation of war against Mexico from 1846 to 1847, as well as its coercion of Mexico into signing the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which led to the creation of the state now known as California. To substantiate my argument, I will guide the court and jury through a historical journey, presenting factual evidence that will expose the truth behind the United States government's unlawful aggression towards Mexico and its subsequent appropriation of a sizable portion of Mexican territory. The Mexican American War commenced with the concept of Manifest Destiny, which, according to my research, refers to the belief that Americans possessed a divine entitlement to extend their borders all the way to the Pacific Ocean (Editors, 2009). Not only did the Americans perceive it as their duty to expand their territory, but they also believed they had the responsibility to civilize the inhabitants, including Native Americans and Mexicans. In the 1844 presidential election, James Polk emerged victorious by campaigning on the idea of expanding the American border to the Pacific Ocean. However, during his presidency, Polk exhibited a
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help