Mexican American War Summary

The Mexican-American War was in fact an unconstitutional war. Its origins can be traced back to the belief of Manifest Destiny, which fostered the idea that Americans were predestined to expand west disregarding existing land ownership by Mexico. The President at the time James K. Polk was an advocate of this idea and prompted aggression by advancing troops into disputed land. Furthermore, he authorized retaliation without the approval of Congress after Mexico sought to defend its territory. In brief, the Mexican-American War was waged unconstitutionally in an attempt to disguise Manifest Destiny behind self-defense.

In the essay War with Mexico: Message from President James K. Polk to Congress by James A. Crutchfield gives a detailed narration of the events preceding the Mexican American War and the message President Polk sent Congress. Crutchfield states, “The Mexican Forces at Matamoros… notified General Taylor to break up his camp within twenty-four hours and retire beyond the Nueces (Crutchfield, 554).” This is important because it shows that Mexico initially tried to have a peaceful resolution to the U.S advancement on to Mexican territory to which the Americans responded with continued

provocations. Consequently, Mexico went on to defend its territory, an action which resulted in the death of several American soldiers. Moreover, Crutchfield goes on to mention, that as a result Polk claimed that “the cup of forbearance had been exhausted (Crutchfield, 554)” and retaliated against Mexico even though he was aware of the indisputable violation of Mexican sovereignty. Markedly, Polk mobilized troops days before Congress had officially declared war against Mexico.
Consequently, President Polk unconstitutionally waged war against Mexico. According to Section 8 of Article 1 of the U.S Constitution, “The Congress shall have power to... declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water (Art. I, sec. 8)” This means that only Congress itself can authorize and declare war. This is important because President Polk blatantly disregarded this part of the Constitution. Critics might argue that Congress later officially declared war on Mexico establishing constitutionality but the fact of the matter is that Polk started the war before, without the approval of Congress. Although the war was subsequently justified, its foundation is illegitimate. In essence, the fact that President Polk mobilized troops without the approval of Congress makes the Mexican American War fundamentally unconstitutional.
Nonetheless, the unconstitutional war waged by United States against Mexico resulted in the modern day configuration of the U.S.

In the book The Course of Mexican History, Michael C. Meyer recounts the resolution of the conflict. Meyer states, “After a series of difficult negotiations, the treaty ending the war was signed…The treaty confirmed the United States the title to Texas and ceded the huge California and New Mexico territories as well (Meyer, 303).” An effective completion of the Manifest Destiny plan of the United States. Meyer also goes on to mention, “The war and its treaty left a legacy of hostility that would not be easily overcome (Meyer, 303).” This is an incredibly important statement that echoes in to modern day tension between the U.S and

Mexico.
In summary, the Mexican American War was an unconstitutional war that forever changed the dynamics between the U.S and Mexico. President Polk’s fixation with Manifest Destiny lead to an inevitable conflict between the two nations. Not only was the war unconstitutional but also the beginning of U.S exertion of power throughout the world. The first among many conflicts disguised under the protection of U.S interests. An ongoing trend in the policy of the U.S government.

Works Cited
1. Crutchfield, James Andrew, Del Bene Terry Alan, and Candy Vyvey Moulton. The settlement of America: encyclopedia of westward expansion from Jamestown to theclosing of the frontier. Vol. 2. Armonk, NY: Sharpe, 2011. Print.
2. Meyer, Michael C., Susan M. Deeds, and William L. Sherman. The course of Mexican history. 8th ed. New York: Oxford U Press, 2011. Print.
3. U.S. Constitution. Art. I, Sec. 8.