The Mexican-American War 1846–48

Osprey Men at Arms #56

by Philip R.N. Katcher

'There never was so fine an American army,' wrote second-lieutenant, John Sedgwick, in describing the troops under Major-General Zachary Taylor in 1846. Another then second-lieutenant, destined to see many more armies; U.S. Grant, also thought highly of them: 'The rank and file were probably inferior … to the volunteers that participated in all the later battles of the war; but they were brave men, and then drill and discipline brought out all there was in them.' Philip Katcher writes the story of the regulars and volunteers who fought in the Mexican-American War, detailing the infantry, cavalry, artillery and staff of both the American and Mexican armies.

Genres: History, Military History, Nonfiction, 19th Century

48 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 1989

About the author

Phililp Katcher has written over 20 titles in the Men-at-Arms Series including the highly successful five-volume set on Armies of the American Civil War.

Reviews

[Josh Matocha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. I suppose it is a decent short synopsis of the Mexican American war with some decent pictures sprinkled in. Overall it wasn’t a bad book especially for $10.

[Sebastian Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise but comprehensive intro to a colourful intriguing subject

The Mexican American war is interesting for many reasons. I was drawn to it recently, having re-watched the John Wayne Alamo movie, for the military uniforms.

A title from Osprey's Men-at-Arms series seemed a natural place to go to follow up this newly awakened interest. The American forces were moving towards the kind of uniforms one would recognise in the early Civil War, whilst the Mexicans still looked back to the Napoleonic era for their sartorial inspiration.

As usual with Osprey titles in this series, you get a basic potted history of the campaigns, the major personalities, the organisation of the opposing forces, and their arms, equipment and uniforms. So, a pretty comprehensive package.

As well as the central section of colour plates, you also get black and white images throughout the title, some showing photos of relevant material, others contemporary illustrations of the conflict.

All in all a typically solid and useful addition to the series, which gives a good introduction/grounding to this short but interesting war.

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid overview, focused on the uniforms worn by both sides. The illustrations are excellent, but favor the American side, as more examples survived.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uniforms of the units on both sides of the war. Brief sketch of major battles including which units were involved.

[Poskeymtb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iwant to read this book, because i wanted to learn more about the Mexican American War in 1846-1848. Please i really wanted to read this book.