The chapter examines the concept of Manifest Destiny and its impact on the Mexican-American War, discussing President Polk's role in pursuing territorial expansion, the presidential campaign of 1844, and the opposition to expansion within the United States. It delves into the lead-up to the war, the disputes over territories between Texas and Mexico, key events like the Battle of Buena Vista, the occupation of Mexico City, and challenges faced by the United States in maintaining control. The chapter also explores the religious and political aspects of the conflict, highlighting the intertwined narratives of Protestantism and patriotism, as well as the opposition fueled by reports of American soldiers' brutality.
Melvyn and guests discuss the 1846-48 conflict after which the United States of Mexico lost half its territory to the United States of America. The US gained land covered by the states of Texas, Utah, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and part of Colorado. The outcome had a profound impact on Native Americans and led to civil war in defeated Mexico. It also raised the question of whether slavery would be legal in this acquired territory - something that would only be resolved in the US Civil War, which this victory hastened.
With
Frank Cogliano
Professor of American History at the University of Edinburgh
Jacqueline Fear-Segal
Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia
And
Thomas Rath
Lecturer in Latin American History at University College London
Producer: Simon Tillotson.