1. The Mexican View of the War Ramon Alvarez Et. Al. VS.

2. Historical Context Ramon Alvarez was one of several Mexican newspaper editors who recorded a history of the war. Texas was a deserted Territory. American immigrants illegally settled the land. Texas declares independence in 1836.

3. Mexico

4. Historical Context US debate over annexation Texas annexed in 1845 Border Dispute Erupts War breaks Out US thoroughly Beats Mexico

5. Main Points Mexican political disarray allowed US to take its territory. “Emancipated from the parent country, the country offered an easy conquest to any who might desire to employ against her a respectable force.” “…it is sufficient to say that the insatiable ambition of the US, favored by our weakness, caused it.” “…political inexperience of our national governors converted into a fountain of evil a benevolent and purely Christian principle.”

6. Main Points American Expansionism was dangerous and at fault for the war. “From the days of their independence they adopted a project of extending their dominions, and since then, that line of policy has not been deviated in the slightest degree…” “The [US] has already absorbed territories pertaining to Great Britain, France, Spain and Mexico.” “While the US [acted in a peaceful way], their acts of hostility manifested very evidently what were their true intentions.” “…it was the spirit of aggrandizement of the United States of the North.”

7. Main Points US added insult to injury by blaming Mexico for the war. “Thus, violence and insult were united: thus at the very time they usurped part of our territory, they offered to us the hand of treachery, to have soon the audacity to say that our obstinacy and arrogance were the real causes of the war…”

8. Historical Significance Gave Americans a view of the Mexican perspective on the war. Formed an official history of the war for future generations.