Early Life and Military Career Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was born on February 21, 1794, in Xalapa, Veracruz, into a middle-class family. The second of eleven children, Santa Anna’s early experiences had a profound impact in sculpting his future personality and political outlook. As a young boy, he was restless and showed an extravagant […]
History
Siege of Veracruz
Historical Background of the Siege of Veracruz The Siege of Veracruz, a pivotal event in the Mexican-American War, didn’t occur in a vacuum. It was the product of a chain of political and military events. This conflict stemmed from the annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845, a move strongly resisted by Mexico. […]
Compromise of 1850
The Underlying Causes of the Compromise of 1850 The Compromise of 1850, a group of Congressional statutes, was born out of deep-rooted conflict between the North’s desire to abolish slavery and the South’s dependence on it. Essentially, it aimed to balance the power between free and slave states amidst the geographical and political expansion of […]
Battle of Chapultepec
Background and Strategic Importance of the Battle of Chapultepec The Battle of Chapultepec unfolded in the mid-19th century during the Mexican-American War. This war was a pivotal moment in North American history, sparked by Texas’s annexation into the United States and territorial disputes. The conflict saw American forces, led by President James K. Polk, aiming […]
Battle of Buena Vista
Background of the Battle The Battle of Buena Vista, commonly referred to as the Battle of Angostura in Mexico, was a notable engagement during the Mexican-American War. The intensifying tensions between the United States and Mexico, fueled by territorial disputes, led to the outbreak of the conflict. It appears to be important to note that […]
Battle of Monterrey
The Context of the Battle of Monterrey The Battle of Monterrey was a significant event in the Mexican-American War. Taking place in September 1846, it was a complex engagement between the United States Army and the Mexican Army. The city of Monterrey, a key location in northern Mexico, acted as backdrop to these events. The […]
Battle of Palo Alto
Background of the Battle of Palo Alto The Battle of Palo Alto, the opening battle of the Mexican-American War, has its roots deeply entrenched in the annexation of Texas by the United States. Texas, initially a Mexican province, declared its independence in 1836, leading to the Texas Revolution. And although Mexico never formally recognized Texas’ […]
Republic of Texas
Formation of the Republic of Texas The roots of the Republic of Texas go back to a period of intense upheaval and change. In a bid for independence from Mexico, the Texan Army led by General Sam Houston secured a significant victory on April 21, 1836, at the Battle of San Jacinto. Their triumph over […]
Manifest Destiny
Origins of Manifest Destiny The origins of Manifest Destiny can be traced back to various sources in early American history. One of these origins is the belief in America’s mission to spread civilization and democracy globally. The period following the American Revolution rooted this ideological cornerstone, characterized by a surge in national pride and an […]
Mexican-American War
Introduction The Mexican-American War happened from 1846 to 1848 and was a key moment in the history of North America. It was caused by America’s desire to expand (known as ‘Manifest Destiny’) and fights over the land of Texas. This war led to many years of political problems and big changes in the map. Important […]