U.S.-Mexican War

by Bronwyn Mills

Controversial and unpopular, the U.S.-Mexican War divided the country's loyalties more than any event at the time since the Revolution.  But the realities of the time were powerfully shaped by the belief in the myth of "Manifest Destiny"—that the United States was predestined to occupy the North American continent "from sea to shining sea"—and so a war of conquest was launched. When it was over, the United States had doubled its size at the expense of Mexico, which had shrunk by half. A fast-moving narrative filled with evocative and historically accurate detail, U.S.-Mexican War, Revised Edition tells the full story of a long-ignored but critical passage in American military history that was soon overshadowed by the Civil War. This new edition features a chapter focusing on the innovative military tactics and weaponry involved throughout the conflict.

170 pages, Library Binding

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Paul Quick]

Well researched. Author presents the War's main cause is belief in Manifest Destiny. However, this was an ambiguous term. The Southerners though most Planters originally opposing Missouri Compromise of 1820 and clamoring for Popular Sovereignty for over two decades thought somehow by conquering Mexico all its territories would be admitted as slave states south of Mason Dixon line. The Northerners felt that the Missouri was a failed agreement and superceding it was either Popular Sovereignty or Congressional mandate.

The Mexican War result is clearly seen by the Author as one of the primary causes of the Civil War to come.

Good read for the closet historians and those who want to know more about USA's dear neighbor to the south.

[Yvonne Lacy]

Slow starting, but very informative. Strongly begs the question about how this war related to future U.S. wars and their justification.