May marks two key anniversaries in the conflict between the United States and Mexico that set in motion the Civil War—and led to significant territorial changes in North America. The Mexican-American War was a 1846-1848 conflict over vast territories in the American West, which the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo gave to the United States in exchange for a payment of $15 million. This war, often overlooked in American history, had long-lasting consequences for both countries.
The history of the Mexican-American War should serve as a warning for rightwing U.S. politicians who are advocating for military action in Mexico. As president, Donald Trump reportedly floated the idea of shooting “missiles into Mexico to destroy the drug labs,” a drastic and controversial proposal that highlights the potential for conflict between the two nations.
As opioid overdose deaths rise in the U.S., members of Congress have broached the idea of using U.S. military force against the Mexican drug cartels. This militaristic approach to the issue mirrors the aggressive tactics used during the Mexican-American War, raising concerns about the potential for history to repeat itself.
The Mexican-American War was one of the bloodiest conflicts in the history of both the United States and Mexico. Here are five interesting facts about this often overlooked chapter in North American history: it resulted in the annexation of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and parts of Colorado, Nevada, and Utah; it was triggered by a border dispute between the Rio Grande and Nueces River; it saw significant opposition from anti-war politicians such as Abraham Lincoln; it led to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which remains a point of contention between the two countries; and it set the stage for the Civil War by intensifying the debate over slavery in the new territories.
In September 1945, Macario García returned to Sugar Land, Texas after serving as a sergeant in the US Army during World War II. His experiences in both World War II and the Mexican-American War shed light on the complexities of war and its impact on individuals and communities.
More information about Mexico is available on the Mexico Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at. This comprehensive resource offers a deeper understanding of Mexico's history, culture, and relationship with the United States.
The Republican push to use military force in Mexico against drug cartels started in the Trump White House. He has plans to make the idea a reality, sparking concerns about the potential consequences of such actions on both countries. This aggressive approach to combating drug trafficking highlights the ongoing tensions between the United States and Mexico.
