2016 marked the 170th anniversary of the year the United States invaded Mexico and declared war on its neighboring Republic. This new book by a noted Ph.D. historian and professor is one of the best books available about relations between the United States and Mexico before, during, and after that war. It shines new light on reasons for the US invasion, opposition by Abraham Lincoln and other … other politicians to the unjustified and unconstitutional decision by President Polk to unilaterally initiate the war, the importance of the ensuing war against Mexico, the resulting territorial seizures by the United States, the impact both nationally and internationally to both countries, the troubling legacy even today, and the result of silences that have been pervasive over the years regarding this conflict. It examines all aspects of this history based on actual documents in government, university, and private institutions in both the US and Mexico, including citations to these documents and the complete text for many of them in the Appendix.
The book covers more than two decades of US history, from 1846 to the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, and examines Lincoln’s role in helping Mexico defeat French occupation forces in the 1860s. As such, this outstanding book is a welcome addition to continuing discussion about the roles of the United States and Mexico during two of the most controversial and complex periods in American history, and how decisions made then continue to permeate the daily lives of citizens and residents of both countries.
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This is a great historical account of a little known part of our Amercian history. Read it and learn!
A wonderful and in-depth examination of a little-known piece of the Lincoln presidency and legacy.
In this masterly crafted minor gem, Abraham Lincoln and Mexico, Michael Hogan has caught the academic world napping. This brilliant writer has uncovered and documented a defining time in American/Mexican history – a relationship of conflict and reconciliation – overlooked and consciously ignored for a century and a half. And who should have been the initial arbiter of reason and morality leading toward a restored and vital partnership with Mexico but the pride of American statesmanship himself: Abraham Lincoln.
Things did not start well between Mexico and the States. Simply put, we invaded a sovereign country solely for the purpose of gaining territory and further assets. If this sounds quite relevant and familiar, kudos to Michael Hogan for shining his brilliant light of truth upon a similar recent and disastrous escapade in the country of Iraq.
As the moral standard for our country, Abraham Lincoln was front and center in opposing our annexation of Texas and the subsequent rush to war with Mexico, based on falsified claims, outrageous lies, and over-nurtured greed. Michael Hogan, with deft slashes from his academic sword, annihilates the lies and later misrepresentations of Lincoln’s position as fostered by future lazy thinkers. He then proceeds to elucidate the framework by which the United States became a better partner to their southern neighbor, sometimes at the cost of lives sacrificed in battle to oust another foreign interloper: France.
For such a focused book, Abraham Lincoln and Mexico serves a much broader purpose than simply to illuminate and rectify one misreported time in history. With his equal focus on Mexico’s leaders and diplomatic efforts, Michael Hogan reminds us clearly to be ashamed of talks of restraining walls and to recognize and remember an incredibly special bond between two proud and important countries. This is an important read for both cultures and Abe Lincoln admirers.
Why don’t USA schools teach this?
Years ago in 11th grade US History class, I learned that the US declared war on Mexico in 1846 to retaliate for Mexico attacking the USA. WRONG!! This award-winning history by a Ph.D. historian and educator sets the record straight and reveals the truth about why President Polk and allies wanted to expand the United States from “sea to shining sea,” and how Polk lied to Congress to obtain a declaration of war to further his expansionist agenda. Using archival documents, the book examines the US military invasion of Mexico, the rape and pillage as US troops marched to Mexico City and captured the government, forcing Mexico to give up Mexican sovereign territory from Texas to California. It also examines Abraham Lincoln’s opposition to the war as Congressman, and his later actions as President to help Mexico defeat French occupation forces of Napoleon. It’s a great book for history buffs and Lincoln followers, and should be required reading in US History classes.