All quotations are from Chapter 8 "Do not take anything by force, God be praised" the book by Howard Zinn, "History of the American people from 1492 to today," Basic Books, 2005
In 1821, when Mexico gained independence from Spain with a revolutionary war, its territory was very extensive and included Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California and part of Colorado. In 1836, Texas broke off from Mexico to become "the Lone Star Republic. The U.S. found that its annexation, as well as that of California were absolutely necessary for the expansion of their power. Here's the best solution was the war. So provocation sent troops across the border between Mexico and Texas, more than the Nueces River up to the Rio Grande literally invading the territory of Mexico. Death of an American general along the river was attributed to the violence of the Mexican people and was used as evidence of ' aggression by Mexico against the United States. "Let therefore the great measure of annexation, and resolved it with the issues of boundaries and claims. Who can stop the stream that will flow to the west? We will open the way for California. Who will stop the advance of our Western people? " "Mexico has passed the U.S. border, has invaded our territory and shed American blood on American soil." Washington then decided to punish the enemy, even the population was in favor of the attack, so that there were demonstrations in the street in favor of the war. The American poet Walt Whitman wrote: "Yes, Mexico must be punished to the fullest! We carry our weapons with a spirit that teaches the world that America, even if it does not seek conflict, is able to crush his enemies and to expand! "
Another quote of the book says: "This aggression was accompanied by the idea that the U.S. would lead to new populations of the gifts freedom and democracy . Came into play the ideas of racial superiority , slabs aroused by the beautiful lands of New Mexico and California, initiatives and commercial projects over the Pacific "
" We believe that civilization of that country (Mexico) is part of our destiny .
Against War were the abolitionists, who saw in it only a dismal attempt to expand slavery and make high profits.
writer Henry David Thoreau wrote in 1846:
"The important thing is to cultivate respect for the law, but of justice. Law never made men more righteous, and respect, the more willing they become instruments of injustice every day. A common and natural result of an undue respect for law is that you can see a row of soldiers marching in admirable order for the hills and valleys towards the war, against their will, even against their common sense and consciences, which makes driving very hard, and you squeeze the heart. "
On January 21, 1848 Frederick Douglass (former slave) wrote in his newspaper the North Star:
" No politician some weight and prestige seems willing to stand up for peace at any cost, and all seem to willingly accept that the war will continue, in one form or another. "
The May 12, 1846 Horace Greeley wrote in the New York Tribune:
"We can easily defeat the armies of Mexico, slaughter them by the thousands. Those who believe that a handful of victories over Mexico and the 'annexation "of half of its provinces will give us greater freedom, morality purer, more prosperous industry than we have now? Life is not miserable enough, death is not soon enough, without resorting to the horrible devices of war?
And from the soldiers? "An American infantry lieutenant told in a letter to parents what had happened after the death of an officer in battle:
" General Lane told us to avenge the death of the gallant Walker. Broke first in the shops of liquor and then made mad by alcohol, committed every kind of insult. Older women and young girls were stripped of clothing and many injuries suffered even more. The men were shot to tens, their property, their churches, stores and homes looted. For the first time I was ashamed of my country. "
Mexico was defeated. The border with Texas was moved to the Rio Grande. New Mexico and California were annexed to the United States. America gave him in exchange for fifteen million dollars, a newspaper wrote about it: "We do not take anything by force. God be praised. "
I wonder what has changed from 1800 to the present day. I wonder if we should still impress, or simply the desire to go to war can not be eradicated, even if it is a cultural factor. I really do not explain how, despite the time passes, the reasoning remains the same, and the world to go the same way.
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