The conflict under consideration, the Mexican-American war, which started in 1846 and lasted two years, is notable for its role in the history of the relationships between the countries. This event reflects the attempts to expand the territory by the United States’ leaders and the resistance of Mexico, which could not be overcome in a peaceful manner. In this way, the problems began when U.S. President James K. Polk declared his intention to purchase California and New Mexico to move the borders to the Rio Grande River (Guardino, 2017).
This deal was also connected to the fact that he wanted Texas to become a part of the United States in the first place, which was another cause for disagreement (Guardino, 2017). However, Mexico refused the offer, and Polk sent military forces to the country, thereby demonstrating his desire to use any means to ensure further expansion of the United States. Even though the northern lawmakers disapproved of this decision, which was deemed to be unconstitutional and, therefore, inappropriate, the war could not be prevented due to the greater support of manifest destiny (“The Mexican-American War,” n.d.).
In other words, the alleged necessity to expand the territory of the United States and corresponding rights granted by God overweighed any other considerations (“The Mexican-American War,” n.d.). Over the course of the war, the battles were fought in Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey, Yerba Buena, Cañoncito, Chino, Tabasco, Santa Clara, and many other locations (Guardino, 2017). In the end, it was concluded with signing the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo in 1848, according to which the United States received not only Texas but also New Mexico and California (“The Mexican-American War,” n.d.). Thus, it was significant for the formation of the borders between the countries.
References
Guardino, P. (2017). The dead march: A history of the Mexican-American war. Harvard University Press.
The Mexican-American War. (n.d.). U.S. History. Web.