A Just War
“The power to wage war is the power to wage war successfully” (Evans Hughes, Charles). In 1846 the United States and Mexico went to war against each other over disagreements mainly regarding the area of Texas. Mexico claimed the war was to protect its territorial integrity while the United States claimed the war was an act of self defense. In the Just War Theory actions and intentions of warring nations are upheld to a standard of justification. This Theory attempts to provide parameters of acceptable behavior when declaring and waging war. It also provides examples of offenses often committed in war. When examining the events leading up to the war, it becomes clear that the United States was acting in accordance with the principles put forth in the Just War Theory. The participation of the United States in the Mexican-American war was just because war was declared as a last resort, the war was fought on behalf of a just cause, and the war was declared by a legitimate authority. The participation of the United States in the Mexican war was just because war was declared as a last resort. According to the Just War Theory as explained by Alexander Moseley, “War should always be a last resort”. (Moseley, Alexander). Prior to the initiation of any armed conflicts the United States attempted diplomatic resolutions with Mexico. The United States sent John Slidell to Mexico in order to legally purchase the disputed lands in Texas, provinces in California, and territory in New Mexico. The disputed lands in Texas had been ceded by Mexico in the Treaty of Velasco; however, the United States government sought to peacefully settle any disputes the Mexican government was claiming. Slidell soon learned that the Mexican government was too unorganized to negotiate successfully due to rapid turnover. A new nationalistic government soon came to power in Mexico, and it unreasonably declared sole claim to Texas. Slidell’s attempts to negotiate were thwarted by a nationalistic
Cited: Evans Hughes, Charles. Washington D.C. Speech. Moseley, Alexander. "Just War Theory." Just War Theory. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 July 2013. . Polk, James K. "Digital History." Digital History. 1846. Web. 25 July 2013. .