Mexican War and the Spanish American War Essay

Both the Mexican struggle and the Spanish War were a result of cheating(prenominal) treatment a earnst weaker nations. The origins of the Mexican War lay with the unite States and its magnificationistic policies. Most Americans believed they had a divine right to bring their culture among others, because they were sea captain. This principle was put forth by Manifest Destiny, which had been circulating around the fall in States for a long time. The ignorance possessed by the Americans show no politeness to fightd the Mexicans. Under the administration of chair Polk, America adopted an aggressive expansion policy that often ignored many inferior countries. In 1492, it was Spain whom sailed across the Ocean and colonized the Amerindian nations of the Western Hemisphere. At its greatest extent, the empire that resulted from this geographic expedition extended from Virginia on the eastern coast of the United States south to Tierra del Fuego at the tip of South America excludin g Brazil and westward to California and Alaska.The would-be(prenominal) United States paid no attention to Spain and aggressively sought much filth and influence in Cuba, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico. The war started when the United States declared war on Spain later on the sinking of an American vessel (Battleship Main) in capital of Cuba harbor on February 15, 1898. They war ended on December 10, 1898 after the unfair Treaty of Paris, in which Spain lost all of its overseas possessions including Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippine Islands, Guam, and many others. Both the Mexican War and the Spanish American War were a direct result in the abusive ways of superior power and influence.Manifest Destiny was more encouraged when Polk became President. He was elective president because of his strong support in bringing Oregon and Texas into the Union. President Polk was clearly the antagonist when he sent troops under oecumenic Zachary Taylor into land that Mexico held sovereig nty, sparking a war. Polk now drafted a message to Congress Mexico had passed the border of the United States, had invaded our territory and shed American blood on American soil. Whether the Mexicans had fired the first shot or the Americans, whether the armies were on Mexican territory or American territory, Polk got his war. Despite the plea of innocence, Mexico can non escape blame for the war. Mexico never had a strong centralized government to negotiate with a remote state.Mexico was never evensuccessful in governing themselves for the time being. Mexico was on the verge of bankruptcy and their army was inadequately trained and equipped. The country was awash(predicate) with political turmoil throughout the war, indeed, throughout the century, making it near unrealistic for them to ever conduct a sound defense of the country. Nevertheless, the United States, as a superior nation under Polks Presidency untrue an aggressive war like attitude toward Mexico without considerati on of the Mexican stance.The contest between the Spanish and Americans grew dramatically when General Valeriano Weyler began implementing a policy of Reconcentration that locomote the population into central locations guarded by Spanish troops and fit(p) the entire country of Cuba under martial law in February 1896. The American government was once again looking to exploit their defenseless neighbors and gain more influence in the countries. The main targets were Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Cuba was the first to initiate its testify struggle for independence from Spain. America, being the closest superior power intervened in Cubas affairs.The Philippines were also growing intolerable to Spanish rule, and the United States took stakes in the Philippines. Following its declaration of war against Spain issued on April 25, 1898, the United States added the vote counter Amendment asserting that it would not attempt to exercise hegemony over Cuba. Under Commodore George dewy at the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1st, the Spanish fleet under Rear Admiral Patricio Montojo was destroyed. The most disrespect followed the write of the Treaty of Paris when Spain lost all of its overseas possessions.The superior powers, much(prenominal) as the United States, are always looking to profit themselves. During the Mexican war and the Spanish-American War, the dominance and ethnocentric ideals that America held flourished in many un-called-for, insulting disputes. The aggressive stance the troops held under Zachary Taylor under the orders of President Polk did not give room for negotiation. If the United States did not get what they wanted, they would insist by force, not by allowing the inferior nation in their eyes to check suggestions that regard their country and dignity. Both the Mexican War and the Spanish-American War resulted because of the unfair and unjust treatment that the United States held in their so-called foreign policy. Latino Division progr am library of Congress http//lcweb.loc.gov/rr/Hispanic/1898/intro.htmlA People A Nation 6th EditionThe Mexican American War annals Homepage -from UMANThe Mexican American War Memorial Homepage -from UMANHispanic Division Library of Congress http//lcweb.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/intro.htmlHispanic Division Library of Congress http//lcweb.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/intro.html