A Just War

Top 2. Nov 27, 2002 8:05 AM

» Brian Tubbs - Mexican War

Hey, great topic! I never knew to look in 'Business & Economics' for such a great topic. My dad was a Vietnam Veteran in the Navy, so I always have a special place in my heart for this great branch of service.

This was a good article, but I have one minor quibble. The U.S. certainly took a more assertive posture in the events leading up to the U.S.-Mexican War, BUT we weren't the aggressor in the strictest sense.

The Mexican War came down to a border dispute, with the U.S. annexing Texas (which had won its independence from Mexico), and recognizing the border agreed to by Santa Anna in his treaty with Sam Houston following the Battle of San Jacinto. Granted, Santa Anna was a prisoner, and the Mexican Congress repudiated the treaty, but that's his problem, frankly. :-)

The United States was not obliged to recognize the border as previously defined by Spain, when that nation ruled over Mexico. Spain was out of the picture. The U.S. was justified to bring Texas into the Union, based on the Santa Anna treaty.

-- posted by Brian Tubbs

Top 3. Jan 22, 2003 12:59 PM

» AWillis - Re: Mexican War

In response to message posted by BrianTubbs:

Thanks for writing, and I apologize for not having responded sooner.

Strictly speaking, you're right in your assessment of what the Mexican-American War was, in and of itself: A border dispute. The war actually began, though, when the US Army crossed the Rio Grande into Mexico after a lengthy buildup. Who fired the first shots and why the Army moved south are open to debate by historians. I've read at least three different versions of why and how. That's what I meant by "it could be argued." Does it matter now how and why? Maybe, maybe not, it all depends on how one looks at it.

As for why Suite saw fit to put a military column in the business category... you got me on that one. Maybe it's because I focus on training so much. Don't know for sure.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for your service to the country.

Drew

-- posted by AWillis

Top 4. Mar 21, 2003 7:56 PM

» Brian Tubbs - Re: Re: Mexican War

In response to message posted by AWillis:

My understanding of the war is that Zachary Taylor took his troops to the Rio Grande River, but not below it into Mexico. Mexico, however, considered the territory just above the Rio Grande as Mexican territory, whereas Texas claimed it as theirs. It was this disputed territory that led to war.

Of course, the Mexican government was unstable and obstinate, with the U.S. expansionist and persistent. Conflict between the two nations was probably inevitable.

This is a great topic. I plan to come back often.

-- posted by Brian Tubbs