By Henry CruzImagine a stranger coming into your home and reorganizes everything, claims part of the home as his own, but then blames any dispute or disagreement that arises about the home on you. The United States of America has a reputation for acknowledging itself as the dominant country because of superior power that was accomplished through imperialistic methods. However, other countries who have a relationship with the United States often view their history as totalitarian and barbaric state. Throughout American history, countries such as Mexico and Spain were the victims of war. These countries were oppressed by the ideology of American patriarchy that establishes them as the “ideal” country or the example for other countries to follow. Historical events such as the Mexican-American War and the Spanish-American War demonstrate the United States desire to conquer. Consequently, Americans embrace their rich history and significant accomplishments, but ignore the sacrifices other countries have made by force in order for the U.S. to remain ideologically superior. The significance of relationships with other countries is that they reflect a similar ambition to conquer as the United States. Prior to the Mexican-American War in 1846, Mexico was under a dictator named Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. In 1834, a dispute between Mexico and Texas over a loaned cannon sparked a war between the neighboring territories. Texas defeated Santa Anna’s Mexican army of 6,000 soldiers through an error on Santa Anna’s part. He split his soldiers into three small groups which allowed the Texans to become victories in the battle, thus leading to their independence from Mexico in 1836. After this conflict between Texas and Mexico, former United States president James K. Polk sparked the idea of “Manifest Destiny”. It was the belief that Americans were destined by God to conquer territory towards the west. Polk was interested in states such as New Mexico, Arizona, California and other western states. At first, he proposed a price for the land, but was denied which was the spark to the Mexican-American War. Perhaps it was karma for what Mexico had done to the Texas, but the desire for Polk to move westward ignited his patriarchal belief. In 1846, a group of Mexican soldiers attacked a group of American soldiers within their bordered area. The American soldiers, under the command of General Zachary Taylor, called for reinforcement and were able to defeat the Mexican soldiers in their territory in Palo Alto and Resoca de la Palma. The responsibility could have gone either way. Mexico initiated the first attack, but the Americans were on the enemy’s turf knowing that would influence an attack.
To add insult to injury, a group of American’s residing in California which was Mexico’s territory rebelled against the Mexican government. This led to what is known as “Bear Flag” where the United States declared California an independent republic. To ease their way into claiming Mexico’s former property, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was established in 1848. This treaty states that the United States would compensate Mexico of about $15 million in exchange for their territories such as New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah and of course, California. The United States gets the better end of the deal and felt better about themselves after giving Mexico some sort of currency. Overall, the problem with this is that the United States forced Mexico into a war that they were not prepared for. The Americans took advantage of an inferior country to gain what they wanted. This is similar to stealing because some people pick on other people who are much smaller than them knowing they are easier targets to acquire what they have.
4 Comments
L Bishop
6/28/2019 06:47:55 am
Well, the United States is just the worst bully the world has ever seen! What a terrible place!
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Stupid
2/17/2020 06:25:26 pm
Are you joking?
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Brooklyn
10/9/2019 09:47:09 am
really helped with my presentation for my history class
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E
8/16/2020 05:41:51 pm
Wow, you're stupid as fuck
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