Book Review: Living Through the Mexican American War

 Living Through the Mexican American War by John DiConsiglio, Heinemann Library, Chicago, Ill., 2012.
This is an interesting read about the Mexican American War.  It was started partly by the United States feelings of manifest destiny, that the country was destined to extend from one ocean to the other.  The final straw was when the United States annexed Texas which had won their independence from Mexico.  Before the war, the U.S. government had secretly attempted to buy land from Mexico.  However Mexican officials would not meet with the U.S. emissary.  Hostilities started in this area, when Mexico challenged and killed U.S. Troops on the northern side of the Rio Grande River.
At the same time, in California the Bear Flag Revolt lead to a removal of Mexican control in northern California.  Colonel John Fremont had been in the area, and quickly took over for the revolters.
However the real war was fought in Mexico.  The United States had to force Mexico to sue for peace, and did this by invading their country.  Although hard fought, the United States generally won all the battles, culminating in a battle for Mexico City itself.  Many of the battle were hard fought.  The U.S. would lose just over 1000 men killed in battle in the war, however ten times that amount would succumb to disease, mostly Yellow Fever.  The U.S. had several generals who lead the war.  First was Zachary Taylor.  However the president didn't like him because he gained popularity and may run against the president for election.  General Winfield Scott lead the troops into Mexico City.   Santa ANa returned form exile to lead the Mexican forces.