The Mexican-American War

by Jeffrey Rogers Hummel

On May 13, 1846, the United States Congress declared war on Mexico. Although the Mexican-American War lasted only 18 months, its consequences were profound. Mexico lost nearly half of its territory to the United States: Texas, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Some historians have described the conquest of Mexico City as America's first step toward empire. More ominously, this war first raised the issue of whether slavery should be permitted in the newly acquired territories--an issue that would help speed America toward the Civil War.

The United States at War Series is a collection of audio presentations that review the political, economic, and social forces that have erupted in military conflict, and examine how the conflict resolved, or failed to resolve, the forces that caused it.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Audiobook

Audio CD

First published June 1, 1989

Reviews

[Larry Bassett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This brief review of the events of the Mexican American war presented in an audio format, was concise and relatively interesting. It’s spend a lot of time covering the issue of Texas becoming a state and relatively little time about the addition of the California territory. It also covers the settling of the boundary of the Oregon territory.

[Steve Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly good audiobook, narrated by Oscar winning actor George C. Scott with character performances by a host of actors.

Though it's just over two and a half hours long the book manages to give an impressive amount of information on the Mexican American War and it's historical antecedents. For all the U.S. military history I've read throughout the last fifty years, this was one of those wars on which I was poorly schooled. That's partly because so little attention is ever paid to this conflict by historians.

This war, arguably, was the beginning of 19th century U.S. imperialism and that fuze which ultimately led to the Civil War. The book deals with the political machinations of James K. Polk, his allies and his political enemies, the growing debate over slavery, the political turmoil in Mexico, our edgy dance with Great Britain over trade and territory...every key player in the drama and every significant event is introduced.

It's a concise, lucid and highly educational work...well worth listening to.

[Henry Davis IV · Rating 2 out of 5]

This audio book is a bit deceptive. Its description makes it sound like a book for general readers about this conflict which is not untrue, but it is not the compelling narrative it sounds like. Taken as a general military history book, this recording lacks substance and is nothing but a very high level overview of the conflict. Taken as a high school or college text book (if it were printed), this recording is very well done. Between having the famous actor George C. Scott as the main reader and using a variety of well picked readers to cover the numerous period quotes used in this reading, this is an excellent audio text book. I recommend this book to anyone with little to no background on the Mexican-American War that is just looking for a very broad overview.

[Nacho Bassino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short intro to this conflict.
For someone without any background, it gives a good overall perspective with a somewhat interesting narration, highlighting the key figures of the conflict, and the political and economic impact.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

George C Scott narrates this history of the Mexican American War. There are some characterizations that border on racist, but the information is good. Many people do not know the details of this war that changed the face of the United States forever.

[Loren Shultz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lifeless, flat presentation. I love history but could not engage in this book.

[Elli Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the history was well researched and condensed. Good for a History Class

[Bridgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish they would have included more information about the first battle of the war.

[B.L. Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. It's rather well done. Quite frankly, there want nothing about it that I didn't like. =)

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, solid overview of the causes, course, and consequences of the war.

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad they mentioned the importance of Santa Anna. There wouldn't be a Mexico without him.

[Thomas Mackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio version read well by the late George C. Scott. Not an academic press work, but a good introduction.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book the author provides a quick overview of the events leading to the war between Mexico and the United States that broke out on May 13, 1846. It covers the history of oppression by the Mexican government of its various states that eventually led to revolt by Texas which had a large number of US citizens who had moved there and had been loyal to the government until it reached a breaking point. After Texas got its independence and became its own country, it began discussions with the US about becoming part of the United States and eventually did that. It was a Texas-Mexico border incident that touched off the Mexican-American war. America had previously made offers to buy some of Mexico's territories including New Mexico, Oregon, California, etc, but Mexico had always refused. As a result of the war the US conquered essentially all of Mexico but then negotiated a treaty to return half to Mexico which ceded the territory west of Texas to the Pacific and then up the coast and created the current boundaries of the United States. Great and quick read if you just want to understand the basic facts of the war. Certainly you can find books with much more detail but this is perfect if you are just looking for an overview.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook. It was a good listen. I liked the way quotes were read by different actors than the main narration.

I found the book informative at a basic level. Good for readers like me who are weak in their history education and looking to make a start on filling it in.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

[Loni · Rating 4 out of 5]

History class. Great book!