Back to the video list: North American History

 

The war between Mexico and the United States of America was a significant event in the American development. By winning the Mexican-American War the USA could expand to the Pacific. Furthermore, the outcome of the war increased the conflict between the northern and southern states which eventually led into the American Civil War.

 

Video

 

 

Overview

  • Date: 25 Apr 1846 – 02 Feb 1848
  • Location: Mexico & California
  • Start: Mexican Cavalry attacks a U.S. patrol in the disputed area between Mexico & Texas
  • End: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

 

Parties & Persons Involved

  • United States of America
  • Republic of California
  • Mexico

 

Background

  • Mexico is in a weak political & economic situation
  • The USA seek to expand to the West / the Pacific
  • The U.S. is concerned that Britain could take possession of the Pacific coast, esp. California
  • Texas gains her independence from Mexico (1836) & becomes a member of the Union (1845)
  • Mexico does not recognise the independent of Texas
  • Dispute over the Texan-Mexican border
  • Political dispute over the legitimacy of a war against Mexico in the USA

 

History

Start of the War & California

  • 25 Apr 1846: Mexican cavalry attacks a U.S. patrol in the disputed border area (casus belli)
  • 13 May 1846: U.S. declaration of war
  • 14 Jun 1846: Bear Flag Revolt in Sonoma
  • 1846 – 1847: U.S. Navy blockades Mexican ports & sinks several vessels in the Pacific
  • 13 Aug 1846: U.S. Navy takes Los Angeles without a fight
  • Sep 1846 – Jan 1847: Mexican resistance in California
  • 12 Jan 1847: The last Mexican surrenders after the Battles of Rio San Gabriel & La Mesa

 

North & Central Mexico

  • 21 – 24 Sep 1846: U.S-. Troops win the Battle of Monterrey
  • 22 – 23 Feb 1847: U.S. troops win the Battle of Buena Vista & repulse a Mexican offensive
  • 09 – 29 Mar 1847: U.S. forces take Veracruz
  • 15 Sep 1847: U.S. forces take Mexico City after the Battles of Contreras (19 – 20 Aug), Churubusco (20 Aug) & Chapultepec (12 – 13 Sep)
  • 13 Sep – 12 Oct 1847: Mexican troops unsuccessfully besiege Puebla
  • 09 Oct 1847: U.S. forces win the Battle of Huamantala
  • 02 Feb 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

 

Consequences & Impact

  • USA gain large territories in the west
  • Mexico receives $ 15.0m & a debt relief of $ 3.25m
  • The way to the west the Pacific is open for the USA
  • The expansion to the (south-) west intensifies latent conflicts in the USA (esp. slavery) & accelerates the way into the American Civil War
  • Very high casualties rate (including long-term effects): 35.0 – 40.0 %