The chapter explores Mexico's path to statehood through revolution and war of independence, drawing parallels to the United States. It highlights the unstable situation in Mexico post-independence, including devastating effects from the civil war and challenges with governance and citizenship. Additionally, it delves into the role of the Comanche tribe in controlling the region through diplomacy, kinship relationships, and exploitation.
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.