The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

MEXICAN WAR

The Mexican War was held between the USA and Mexico from April, 1846, until September, 1847. The excuse for the war was the revolt of Texas from Mexico and the subsequent annexation of that State to the Union in 1845. Not only had Texas revolted, but she claimed and carried into the Union with her a far more extended territory than had been accorded in the original Mexican arrangements. In November of 1845, President Polk sent Slidell, a member of Congress from the South, to Mexico to treat with President Herrera concerning some indemnity for Texas and also to negotiate for California. Slidell was not received, for Paredes, the soldier, had succeeded Herrera. Polk at once ordered General Zachary Taylor, then commanding the army, to advance through the disputed territory and take a position on the left bank of the Rio Grande River. Here, near Matamoras, on April the 23rd, 1846, he was attacked by the Mexicans under Arista, and a portion of his forces were captured.

While Taylor struck Mexico General Kearney marched into New Mexico, conquered the whole country, raised the United States flag, and, sending Doniphan to join Wool at Chihuahua, he proceeded to California, which was speedily conquered, chiefly through the efforts of Lieutenant Fremont. Scott now assumed command of the army in Mexico, but Taylor continued to command in the North. Taylor fortified himself at Corpus Christi for a time in the defence of Texas, but later advanced into the heart of Mexico, leaving a garrison at Fort Brown opposite Matamoras. This place was afterward bravely defended by Major Brown.

The battle of Palo Alto was the first great battle of the war, occurring on May the 8th, 1846. The Mexicans under Ampudia and Arista were defeated. Then followed in quick succession the battles of Resaca de la Palma, Buena Vista and a number of lesser fights, all disastrous to the Mexican cause. Thus Taylor penetrated into northern Mexico.

Then Scott landed at Vera Cruz and marched on the Mexican capital. Santa Anna, the Mexican general, was badly defeated at the battles of Cerro Gordo, Contreras and Churubusco. Finally, General Scott, after a series of brilliant victories, marched on the city of Mexico, arriving in August, 1847. After detailed operations of siege and bombardment, which terminated in the Mexican defeat at Molino del Rey, on September the 7th and 8th, and a final scathing bombardment, the capital surrendered on September the 14th, thus terminating the war.

The war was plainly one of unjust aggression on a minor power, with the American object being that of winning more territory for new slave States.
Research Mexican War