In America the idea took roots that she had the divine right to expand her borders from sea to sea - it was called ‘manifest destiny’. This notion caused suffering to Mexico and Native Americans.

Tension began to grow after Texas became a part of USA following the Texas War of Independence. Frontier disputes began to snowball into armed conflicts.

President Polk took these as an excuse to grab large regions from Mexico. America wanted to march towards the Pacific and in so doing she rode rough shod over her neighbors - British in Canada, the Mexicans and of course the Native Americans. Since taking over Louisiana in 1883 by President Jefferson, the Americans began to steadily march westwards in great numbers and on to lands not belonging to USA. When Polk became President the idea of ‘manifest destiny’ had taken roots. It was the duty of the Americans to civilize the world. The American Protestant Christians ignored the feelings of others - Native Americans and Catholic Mexicans - occupying the land. It was not always talk of violence because generous monetary offerings were made to buy off the original owners. In 1835 and 1845 $5 million was offered to buy off California from Mexico but the latter, quite understandably, refused to sell half its country to its most dangerous neighbor!

There was another underlying cause for the outbreak of hostilities. In the 1820’s and 30’s Mexico had gained independence from Spain but she needed workers. So a generous call was given to settlers to come provided they took the oath of allegiance to Mexico and also converted to Catholicism. Thousands, including slaves took up the offer and moved off. But soon they, the new ‘Texicans’ or ‘Texians’ were disillusioned with the manner in which the government was run. So they tried to take over the reins of the government. In 1835 Texas revolted and the Mexican President, Santa Anna, had no alternative but to agree to the Treaty of Velasco in 1836. Texas became independent. Many Mexicans questioned the legal validity of this step as Santa Anna was a captive during the signing of the treaty. Thus border skirmishes between Texas and Mexico continued. USA openly supported with the Texans who were USA-born. The brutal fighting developed in the Americans a feeling of superiority against the Mexicans. Texas formally joined USA on 4th July 1845.

Mexico did not take it lying down. Soon border conflicts became an important international matter. Texas or USA laid claim to the Rio Grande River border. Mexico wanted her frontier to stretch as far as the Nueces River. On 25th April 1846 war broke out.

This war between America and Mexico was traditional. Infantry, cavalry and artillery came into play using entrenched European tactics. American invasion was received by guerilla warfare but the latter could not make much impact.

USA took recourse to a three-pronged plan. Two army units marched south from Texas while a third unit moved west towards Santa Fe, New Mexico and thence onto California. In a series of battle the Mexican forces were humbled and the victorious Americans marched south causing untold misery to the local population. In mid August 1846 USA navy took control of Monterey and Los Angeles in California. In September 1846 a three-day battle ensued for the control of the north Mexican city of Monterey. The victory of America was followed by a truce.

During this lull former President Santa Anna returned to Mexico from exile and quickly went about forming a new army of 20.000 men. The Mexicans refused to give in although the losses in terms of men and land were heavy. It became clear to the Polk government that only a full-scale battle would bring them to their knees. Thus while continuing with attacks in the desert this time the aim of USA was to attack Mexico City. It would be at that point of time the greatest naval landing in history.

The grand plans were put into action. General Scott in March 1947 landed at Veracruz - Mexico’s most important eastern port. A bloody battle ensued from March to August while the Americans moved inwards toward Mexico. After five major battles on September 14th Scott entered the capital. Some feeble resistance was offered by the citizens but by mid October that too petered out. USA army took full control.

Subsequently Santa Anna resigned from the presidency but kept control of the army. He continued military warfare but his beaten troops refused to fight anymore. He was asked by his own government to resign from the army. Guerilla warfare continued but could not be effective. The Treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo was concluded and ratified by both the countries. It annexed the northern parts of Mexico to USA for which the latter was to pay $15 million.

What stands out is the bravery of the individual Mexican. It is this that made the war to carry on for a long time causing headache to America. It was Mexican leadership that was lacking in standard. Superior cannon power and new tactics won the day for the Americans. The war made a hole in American finances - $100 million and it took the toll of nearly 14,000 military lives. Victory over a weak disorganized neighbor had come - but with a high terrible price. It definitely was not a cakewalk.

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