The Mexican-American War Through the Eyes of General Zachary Taylor

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The Mexican-American War Through the Eyes of General Zachary Taylor

The Mexican-American War Through the Eyes of General Zachary Taylor

            In 1846, the war that lasted for two years between the United States and Mexico was experienced. By the time the war came to an end, Mexico had already lost half of its territory to the United States. These included the Texas and California lands. This war represents a key historical event for America as it enabled it to fulfill the manifest destiny idea. This idea was based on the belief that the country’s land should start all the way from the Atlantic and end at the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, before the war, it was impossible to achieve this idea as the Oregon Territory was occupied by both the United States and Great Britain while the western and southwestern pieces of land were occupied by Mexico. The Oregon Territory issue was successfully resolved as the Great Britain agreed set its border at the line where the United States suggested. Unfortunately, the Mexican side was much higher to convince. This paper discusses discuss the various occurrences which triggered the Mexican-American war, the events during the way, and the resulting impacts, from the eyes of General Zachary Taylor.

Dispute over the Texas Border

            I, General Zachary Taylor, was a commander in the United States Army. I was able to witness the occurrences and events associated with the Mexican-American war. Just before the war, several events took place which triggered the resulting violence. The Texas border was one of the triggers as a result of misunderstanding on where exactly the border should be located. In 1845, Texas had been admitted by the United States as a slave state. This took place a few years after achieving its independence from Mexico in 1836. The citizens of Texas believed that their southern border lied at the Rio Grande River. Unfortunately, the Mexicans disputed this as they argued that the border should be positioned at the Nueces River (Green, 2014). In response to this dispute, President Polk chose me and my troops to go forth and guard this land between the two rivers in early 1846.

            The mission was successful over the next few weeks as both sides remained calm. Unfortunately, on 25^th April, 1846 things took a turn for the worst. 2000 men from the Mexican cavalry unit made way into the Rio Grande, ambushing one American unit made up of up of 70 men. Captain Seth Thornton was in charge of this unit where sixteen men lost their lives and five others injured (Howes, Carnagie & Gale Group, 2003). 50 men were also taken prisoners by the Mexican cavalry. I believe that this was the point where violence began. President Polk was so upset that he used this event convince congress that there was a need to finally attack Mexico in return. I remember in a speech he made immediately after the event, the President stated that Mexico has invaded the walls of the United States, and has shed the blood of Americans on their own soils (Powell, 1846). The President viewed this as symbolic of the fact that the war between the two countries has now began. This seemed convincing enough because soon enough, Congress declared war against Mexico.

            As much as this seemed like a reasonable step to take, not all US citizens supported the move. Many did not think that it was the best solution to the problem especially since it risked giving more power to the slave states. One of the critics who I still recall was Abraham Lincoln as he severely protested and argued that the war was uncalled for. The northerners were also against this move.

The War between Mexico and America Begins

             As a command given by Congress, my troops and I defended the Rio Grande in May 1846 before heading to Monterrey, Mexico. After weeks of travelling and experiencing challenging situations and retaliations from the Mexicans, my troop was able to capture this city in September, 1846. However, at this point, I was given the command to hold this position with only 5,000 men as we wait for General Winfield Scott to lead the others in the attack on Mexico City (Howes, Carnagie & Gale Group, 2003). It seemed like the news travelled faster to the Mexican troops because one of the units took advantage of the fact that American troops had split up. It was led by the Mexican General, Santa Anna, in February, 1847. They attacked my team where we were at the Buena Vista Ranch with approximately 20,000 troops. This was not an easy battle as it took two long days of fierce fighting before they could surrender and concede defeat (Green, 2014). In March, 1847, the troop which went to attack Mexico City made it to Veracruz, Mexico where they sought to invade through the southern region. The war lasted for many months but the troops never gave up. Fortunately, in September 1847, the Mexicans were defeated leaving the city at the Mercy of Scott and his men (Guardino, 2014).

            While this was taking place, other Mexican regions were also being occupied by the American troops. In August 1847, General Stephen Kearny and his troops were ordered to take over New Mexico. This time the process was much easier as Mexican’s did not put up a fight. Immediately after, the troop was divided into two where some were sent to California while others occupied Mexico. Americans who were already living in California were revolting against the introduction of a Bear Flag Revolt. They claimed that they were independent from the Mexicans and would thus be known as the California Republic.

The Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty

            Even though the American troops had already taken over most of these regions, there was still a lot of tension. Fortunately, this was resolved in February 1848 when Americans and Mexicans finally came to an agreement and signed the treaty known as Guadalupe Hidalgo. In this treaty, America had to recognize Texas as an independent state and Rio Grande was named the southern border. Also, America was able to regain specific lands such as Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, and even Utah through the Mexican Cession (Green, 2014). This marked a step in the right direction since the lost land was being recovered each passing day. By 1953, America made the final purchase of the land belonging to Mexico which is now considered part of New Mexico and Arizona. This part was purchased with the intention of using it to complete the transcontinental railroad.

            I strongly believe that this outcome was contributed not only by my resilience as a General, but also the input of others including President Polk, General Winfield Scott, and the other members of the American army, who participated in the war. It is unfortunate that many lost their lives as a result, while others had to suffer significant injuries.

Importance of the Mexican-American War

            From my perspective as a General at the time of the war, I can confidently state that this war between Mexico and America played an important role in shaping the present America as we know it. Basically, even before the war, America wanted to take over part of Mexico, particularly California. Also, it had the intention of solidifying its dominance over Texas and clearing the border issue between Texas and Mexico (Guardino, 2014). This argument can be supported by the fact that immediately after Texas declared its independence, America was quick to annex it. This interest in Texas was due to the fact that Texas was the best route for the company to open up a new settlement territory (Kelly, 2018). I also think that this interest was supported by many others as it would assist in encouraging slavery. California was well known as a highly resourceful region, which is why American was keen on getting control over it.

            It is clear that this war was a way for America to acquire all the land it needed, albeit legally as President Polk waited for the Mexican’s to throw the first shot. It was a tactically planned move by the President who assigned troops to guard the disputed land knowing all too well that the Mexicans would retaliate. If the war had not taken place, Mexicans and Americans would have never come to an agreement. The American government had more power compared to the Mexicans, and this is what was used to their advantage. After defeat, the Mexicans had no other alternative but to agree to any suggestions that would help them get back some of their land (Levinson, 2013). This is why the lost pieces of land was also re acquired by the Americans. The Mexicans did not have that much bargaining power as it is clear that America was already set on what it would agree on.

How this Event Changed my Life

            It is only fortunate that I managed to fight in the Mexican-American war and still emerged victorious and alive. My victory as a General encouraged many to have faith in me and my leadership. In The Rio Grande, I was able to guide my troop after the ambush and we still managed to win the war (Powell, 1846). Also, the fact that I led the fight against the Mexican troops in the Battle of Buena Vista and turned out successful impressed many (Guardino, 2014). These occurrences made me famous and popular, which is why I was chosen as the next president of America. Without this event, the recognition I received would not have been possible. I would have been viewed as any other General of the American Army.

            The Mexican-American war had a long term impact in the lives of Americans as it led to the acquisition of resourceful lands which gave it more power over its neighbors. America became independent as it also expanded its borders and took control over new regions from Mexico. Therefore, rather than depending on Mexico or resources, the previous was the one which became dependent on America. The control over Texas also benefited America as this land is what enabled it to access other neighboring lands that were then Mexican. Today, Mexico still relies of America for a lot of help in terms of resources and even the police force. America was able to get richer as a result of this event.

Conclusion

            It is clear that this war was triggered tactfully by the Americans even though the Mexicans were blamed for taking the first shot. However, even though the reasons behind it were questionable and selfish, it is evident that this war enabled America to expand and become a powerhouse as is witnessed today. It started slowly as a border dispute and ended with American winning its land back and even acquiring more from the Mexican side.