Most interesting U.S. war (1776-1860)

[JohnLocke]

Poll question: Most interesting U.S. war (1776-1860)

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Mexican War was controversial

as many felt it was aggrandizement by the slaveholding states. Remember that Texas revolted because Mexico wanted to ban slavery. Lincoln, in his only term in Congress criticized the war; his speeches came back to haunt him during the Civil War.

[independentpiney]

3. I'd have to go with the Mexican War as well

Because it was the first completely unprovoked war of agression and conquest against a European styled nation state. The first significant anti-war sentiment in the US rose in reaction to it, notably in the Northeast and best known through Thoreaus arrest and his writing of 'Civil Disobedience'.

The precedent of claiming to have been attacked first was also set in it. US troops moved into the disputed border area and began cross-border skirmishes. When the Mexicans responded, it was spun as the initial attack.

[NoPasaran]

5. Leaving aside the dubious reasons for fighting

The Mexican-American War is fascinating. Scott's campaign from Veracruz to Mexico City was breathtaking in its daring, and the presence of so many of the notable figures of the Civil War as young officers adds to the interest.

[othermeans]

8. Seems a little bit like history repeating itself doesn't it?

"Even if the annexation itself could be justified, the manner in which the subsequent war was forced upon Mexico cannot. The fact is, annexationists wanted more territory than they could possibly lay claim to." U.S. Grant

[orpupilofnature57]

2. the FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR,we got the experience to win the revolution

[Lithos]

4. The Indian wars from about 1817 to 1898

Were probably the most interesting to me. While they were not specific to any one tribe, they were a general period of continuous hostilities by the US government.

L-

[troubleinwinter]

6. Lithos, I am with you!

[othermeans]

7. I think Grant's thoughts on the Mexican War were revealing

"The Southern rebellion was largely an outgrowth of the Mexican war. Nations, like individuals, are punished for their transgressions. We got our punishment in the most sanguiny and expensive war of modern times.

Generally the officers of the army were indifferent whether the annexation was consummated or not; but not so all of them. For myself, I was bitterly opposed to the measure, and to this day regard the war, which resulted, as one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation. It was an instance of a republic following the bad example of European monarchies, in not considering justice in their desire to acquire additional territory."

U. S. Grant, Memoirs, On the annexation of Texas and the Mexican War