Commentary: Many celebrate, but few understand the meaning of Cinco de Mayo
Today there is much confusion about Cinco de Mayo — the battle against the French in Mexico and their victory at Puebla on May 5, 1862, the Mexican War of Independence from Spain — where Independence was gained on Sept. 16, 1821, and the Mexican-American War, which was fought 1846-48.
Following the Mexican War of Independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico claimed Spain’s lands in the Southwest.
Mexico then invited Stephen Austin to settle in a large tract of land in Texas with the intention of strengthening its hold in the sparsely populated area. Mexico suffered through political unrest, however, and when increased tariffs and taxes were imposed on the settlers, both Mexican and American, the situation exploded into a series of battles.
Santa Ana defeated the Americans at the Alamo, but Texas soon won its independence from Mexico in 1836. Texas remained the Republic of Texas, “The Lone Star State,” until March, 1846, when it participated in the Mexican-American War, which had begun, in part, over the boundary dispute between Texas and Mexico. Texas had claimed its western boundary as the Rio Grande River, while Mexico claimed the boundary was the more easterly Nueces River.
Most of this area in the Southwest was uninhabited, due to the rugged terrain, no water, and fierce Indians. Westward expansion, the telegraph and the railroad began to put pressure on securing these lands for settlers. Fearing that a foreign occupation of the lands in the middle of the continent would separate the East Coast from the West Coast, Americans started talking about the concept of Manifest Destiny. Manifest Destiny was an expression of the idea that it was America’s destiny to reach from “sea to shining sea.”
Meanwhile, the United States had sent several envoys to Mexico City to negotiate the boundary dispute between Texas and the Mexican government. In addition, offers were also made to buy additional lands in the Southwest, Alta California and Santa Fe Nuevo Mexico.
John Slidell offered Mexico about $5 million for the New Mexico Territory and Alta California, but the Mexican government refused to even meet with him. An earlier envoy had been prematurely dismissed during negotiations.
Mexican forces then attacked an American military unit, which President James K. Polk had sent forth into the disputed area between the Nueces and the Rio Grande rivers. Several Americans were killed. Congress declared War in May 1846, and Mexico followed with its declaration of war in July 1846.
Lincoln famously asked, in his “Spot Resolutions,” exactly on which spot on American soil were these Americans killed, as Polk had proclaimed, when he asked Congress to declare war on Mexico. The question was ignored, and the war with Mexico began.
Mexico was invaded from the North, in Nuevo Mexico, and the West, in Alta California. U.S. Gen. Winfield Scott marched across Mexico from the port of Veracruz to the capital, Mexico City. His march was considered a bold tactical maneuver of his day. Most expected an embarrassing defeat, but Scott was virtually unopposed.
Gen. Santa Ana did not provide the resistance that everyone had expected. Mexico City’s governing fathers even opened the city gates for Scott, and a peaceful negotiation and treaty ensued.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed at the main altar of the old Basilica of Guadalupe at Villa Hidalgo in Mexico City on Feb. 2, 1848. The United States paid $15 million to Mexico for lands acquired and an additional $3.5 million to pay claims of American citizens against Mexico.
The Texas boundary would now be the Rio Grande River. The areas now known as California, Arizona and New Mexico were defined, as were Nevada, Utah and parts of Wyoming and Colorado.
U.S. citizenship was granted to all Mexicans living in the newly acquired territories. Over 90% chose American citizenship while the remainder relocated back into Mexico’s territories. Spanish land grants were to remain valid.
In 1854, the Gadsen Purchase would expand the Arizona and New Mexico lands further.
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Newport Beach resident SHERRY NORD MARRON, who has a doctorate in American studies, taught at Orange Coast College and the University of Connecticut.