The Mexican American War
[4.25.1846 - 2.3.1848]
By: Gerrit Van Der Starre Jr.
The Mexican 'American War was a conflict between the United States of America and the United Mexican States. Following the Texan Revolution of 1836, the United States annexed Texas in 1845. With the lands still under dispute, President James K. Polk offered to purchase the land from Mexico. After the offer was refused, General Zachary Taylor was ordered to move men into the disputed territory. A skirmish erupted on April 25th, 1846; and eleven soldiers were killed. This gave Polk the provocation to initiate the war.
A very well made documentary produced by the History Channel. This documentary uses voices from both sides of the conflict, and the contributors are an even mix between Mexican and American. The commentaries do have biases ranging for and against both sides, but I believe this was intentional to show how people are still passionate about the results of the war. As noted at the end of the documentary, it is remarkable at how such an important war in both American and Mexican national histories goes so unstudied. Perhaps this is because this is one of the few "Unjust" wars that America has fought. However, I submit that if other countries can overcome troublesome pasts and regain their national honor, such as Germany or Japan, we should not be afraid of studying un-glorifying times of American History. For, it is important to study history so as to not repeat the mistakes of the past.