The Fighting Spirit of the Americans in the Mexican-American War

Manifest Destiny

The fighting spirit of the Americans during the Mexican-American War was motivated by Manifest Destiny. This belief held that it was the fate of the United States to expand its territory westward, incorporating new lands and populations into the country. Manifest Destiny fueled American determination to conquer and settle in the western territories, including those held by Mexico.

Perceived Threats from Mexico

Another factor that influenced the fighting spirit of the Americans was the perceived threats from Mexico. The American government and media portrayed Mexico as a hostile neighbor that posed a danger to the security and interests of the United States. This portrayal heightened American fears and contributed to the willingness of many Americans to engage in military conflict with Mexico.

Desire for Economic Opportunities

Additionally, the desire for economic opportunities played a role in motivating Americans to fight in the Mexican-American War. The acquisition of new territories offered the potential for obtaining valuable resources, such as land and minerals, that could benefit individuals and the nation as a whole. The prospect of economic gain further fueled the determination of Americans to participate in the conflict.