Mexican War Council
Background Guide
EagleMUNC
Boston College Model
United Nations
Conference
Chair
Valentina Uribe
Website
www.EagleMUNC.org
[email protected]
March 17-19 2017
Mexican War Council
Letters from the Secretariat
Delegates,
It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to EagleMUNC V! My name is Kerianne DiBattista,
and I am the Secretary-General of EagleMUNC V. I am a senior at Boston College in the
Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences majoring in International Studies with a concentration
in Economics. I am originally from Long Island, NY, and I have been participating in Model UN
conferences since I was in tenth grade, rising to become Head Delegate and Secretary-General
of my high school conference. At BC, I travelled to several conferences with our MUN team and
I have participated EagleMUNC since my freshman year. As you begin your EagleMUNC V
experience, I implore you to explore the conference theme, "The Interplay of Power and
Ethics," and make your EagleMUNC experience the best it can be! Thank you, and I'll see you at
EagleMUNC!
Best Regards,
Kerianne DiBattista
Secretary-General, EagleMUNC V
Dear Delegates,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to EagleMUNC V! My name is Jack Massih and I
am the Under Secretary-General of Political Affairs. I am a senior at Boston College studying
Political Science and Economics. I began participating in MUN my sophomore year of high
school and have been hooked ever since. I joined the EagleMUNC team as a freshman for the
first year we moved off BC’s campus and into Boston, and it has been a joy to witness the
conference continuously grow and evolve since then. The Political Affairs team has been
working incredibly hard to prepare for the most innovative and exciting conference in
EagleMUNC history. I am looking forward to seeing all of your creative and thoughtful
responses to the diplomatic predicaments and crises you confront over the weekend.
Best,
Jack Massih
Under Secretary-General Political Affairs, EagleMUNC V
Mexican War Council
Introduction
Delegates, Hello and Welcome to EagleMUNC V!
My name is Valentina Uribe, and I will be the chair of this committee. First I would like
to tell you a little bit about me: I am a sophomore at Boston College, and I am studying Political
Science and International Studies in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. I was born in
Colombia, and I have lived my entire life there. I began to be interested in international affairs
since my school was always concerned with fostering in the students a passion for this topic. In
the same way, since I was in seventh grade I was part of the Model United Nations team of my
school as a delegate, chair, and organizer and this has continued since I started college. Last
year I was part of the BCMUN club and of the simulation staff of EagleMUNC IV.
Something that I would like you to know is that no matter how much experience you
have, in this committee you are going to learn as much as you can and will grow as a delegate
and as a person. During the committee, you will be giving life to all those characters that were
of great importance and had a huge impact during the Mexican-American war. Considering
Eaglemunc’s theme “The Interplay of Power and Ethics,” each of the decisions and actions that
you take will have a direct impact on the future of the Mexican nation. Your abilities of
thinking, creativity, and adaptability will be challenged. However, consider that the most
important thing is that your passion grows, that you enjoy the Committee, and that you make
friendships that will endure through time.
I am not only talking on behalf of me but also of the staff of EagleMUNC when I say that
we are excited to get to know you. If you have any questions or doubts, do not hesitate to
contact us through the email you can find on the first page.
I wish you the best and good luck!
Your Chair,
Valentina Uribe
Mexican War Council
History
Starting Date for this Committee
Please note the starting date for this committee is May 9th, 1846 all historical events
that took place before this date may be taken as fact by the delegates, however anything that
occurs after this date is subject to change depending on the actions of this committee and its
counterpart representing the United States government.
Mexican War Council
Mexico as an independent state
The Republic of Mexico, before it became a sovereign territory, belonged to the Spanish
Empire. The Mexican war for independence initiated on September 16, 1810 with the “Cry of
Dolores,” which announced the intentions of the people and became the rallying cry of the
army. After 11 years of struggle, the Mexican people triumphed on September 27, 1821, ending
three centuries of Spanish rule and creating a sovereign Mexican republic.1 After achieving its
revolutionary goal, Mexico inherited the California, New Mexico, and Texas territories from
Spain. The United States officially recognized Mexico as a sovereign state and sent Joel
Roberts to sign a treaty of friendship, commerce and boundaries in 1822.2
Mexican Culture and relation to the United States
As soon as Mexico was established and its citizens recognized as free, the people began to
establish their own culture. Through their traditional dances, music, and food, the Mexican
populace felt a sense of pride and thought of the territory as their home. Sadly, the
relationship between them and their neighbors to the north was never an easy one. The
differences in culture, language, traditions, and behaviors strained the relations between the
two countries. While evaluating its situation, Mexico feared that the United States could and
would threaten them due to the cavernous gap in military and economic strength between the
two bordering nations. Consequently, the country focused all its efforts in surviving the
1
“La Independencia de México (1810-1821),” Septiembre 28, 2015, visitado en Agosto 13, 2016,
https://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/la-independencia-de-mexico-1810-1821.html.
2 “Intervención Estadounidense En México,” visitado en Agosto 13, 2016, http://coast.pink/intervencionestadounidense-mexico_2977337.html.
Mexican War Council
attempts made on their sovereignty.3 With respect to the rest of the world, they hoped to grow
as a nation.
Expansionist Politics
Ever since United States President James Monroe enacted the infamous “Monroe Doctrine,”
the country flexed its expansionist muscles in the Latin American region. The Americans
believed in Manifest Destiny - which stated that it was their destiny and responsibility to
expand all the way to the west, as dictated by providence.4 This doctrine, alongside its racial
implications and white supremacy, was evident in situations like the Louisiana Purchase in
1803 and the Adams-Onis treaty in 1819, which expanded the borders of the United States.
Texas
American settlers had always been attracted to the Territory of Texas. Mexico allowed some of
these expansionists to settle in the Texas territory, but after some amount of time, the
Americans started to become the majority in that region. Citizens of Texas soon became
dissatisfied with the government. The Americans complained that the capital was too far and
argued for the formation of another sovereign state with its own capital. At the same time, the
citizens of Texas complained about the amount of freedoms they were given. Compared to the
United States, some laws were stricter in Texas, and the people were not happy. Mexico
3
“The U.S.-Mexican War . War (1846-1848) . Mexican Perceptions During the War,” 1995, accessed September 5,
2016, http://www.pbs.org/kera/usmexicanwar/war/mexican_perceptions_esp.html
4
Qué Fue la Doctrina Del Destino Manifiesto El Destino Manifiesto Y la Colonización Del Oeste Americano,”
Septiembre 29, 2013, visitado en Agosto 13, 2016, http://historiausa.about.com/od/oeste/a/Que-Fue-La-DoctrinaDel-Destino-Manifiesto.htm.
Mexican War Council
demanded all its citizens to adhere to Roman Catholic beliefs and to not own slaves - for
slavery was abolished in Mexico in 1829.5 These tensions caused the relationship between
Mexico and the United States to become more strained over time.
Independence of Texas
Due to the high demands from the Mexican Government to the citizens of Texas, a war for the
independence of Texas began. On October 2,
1835, rebels attacked Mexican soldiers in the
city of Gonzalez. The Battle of Gonzalez was
the first attempt at independence, but it was
not a successful one, since the Mexicans did
not respond immediately to the rebel attack.
Stephen Austin, the acting general of the
Texan army, created a fort in the territory of The Alamo to resist and protect themselves from
the Mexican troops that were coming to put down the Texan rebellion. On February 23, 1836,
General Santa Anna arrived at The Alamo and initiated a battle against the Texans to thwart
their bid for independence. After 15 days of violent fighting, the Mexican army defeated the
rebels. Afterwards, on April 21, 1836, the battle of San Jacinto occurred, with the Texans
looking to gain revenge for their defeat at The Alamo. Sam Houston managed to lead the
5
“Información Sobre la Guerra México Contra Estados Unidos, Invasiones a México,” visitado en Agosto 13, 2016,
http://www.explorandomexico.com.mx/about-mexico/4/183/.
Mexican War Council
rebels to victory. Furthermore, Santa Anna was taken prisoner and was forced to recognize the
Independence of Texas, signing the Treaty of Velasco.6
Treaty of Velasco
This was the main document that granted Texas its independence from Mexico and
established the border between the two territories in the Rio Grande. However, even though
Santa Anna signed the Treaty, the Mexican Government voided all the general’s acts because
he was being held hostage.7 The Texans, nonetheless, still recognized the Treaty as valid and
considered themselves independent.
Annexation of Texas
The United States had always been interested in the Texas territory. The American
Government made many attempts to purchase it. In 1827, president Adams offered a million
dollars to acquire the territory. Two years later, he offered 5 million dollars. Mexico rejected
the offer both times.8 During the Mexican presidency of José Joaquín Herrera, the Texans
wanted to be incorporate themselves into the US, wanting to adhere to American laws. After
securing independence from Mexico, Texas existed as an independent nation. In 1845,
6
“La Independencia de Texas,” April 8, 2011, visitado en Agosto 13, 2016,
http://historiageneral.com/2011/04/08/la-independencia-de-texas/.
7
“Memoria Política de México,” visitado en Agosto 13, 2016,
http://www.memoriapoliticademexico.org/Textos/2ImpDictadura/1836TDV.html.
8
“Historia de México,” visitado en Agosto 13, 2016, http://www.historia-mexico.info/2013/04/independencia-detexas.html.
Mexican War Council
President James K. Polk authorized the annexation of Texas; conversely, Mexico cut all ties and
relationships with the United States.9
Limits
After the relationship with Mexico was broken, the United States did not give up their goal of
expansionism. The US wanted to buy California and New Mexico from Mexico. Because of the
unrest and political instability present at the time, Mexico ignored the request for negotiation.
After the independence and annexation of Texas, tensions regarding border limit caused war
to break out. Mexico believed that the Rio Bravo was the border, while Americans argued that
it was at the Rio Nueces.10 The distance
between these two different borders was 150
miles. The Americans then sent Zachary Taylor
and his army to protect the Texan people from
any Mexican attack. On April 24, 1846, there
was an altercation between the American army
and the Army led by Mexican General Mariano
Arista. James K. Polk denounced this
altercation by saying Mexicans spilled
American blood in American soil. This was a
9
“El Expansionismo Norteamericano. La Doctrina Monroe,” visitado en Agosto 13, 2016,
http://www.historia.palacionacional.info/visita-informativa/estado-nacional/contexto-mundial/80-elexpansionismo-norteamericano-la-doctrina-monroe.html.
10 “Guerra México – Estados Unidos: 1846 – 1848,” visitado en Agosto 13, 2016,
http://www.historiademexicobreve.com/2015/05/guerra-mexico-estados-unidos-1846-1848.html.
Mexican War Council
false statement because in Mexico’s eyes, the troops were in their territory. This only made the
relationship between the two worse.
Battle of Palo Alto in Fort Texas
On May 8th 1846, the first major battle between Mexico and the United States took place.
Previously, Zachary Taylor had moved troops to the Rio Bravo and had established the Fort
Texas right in front of the Mexican city of Matamoros. Mexican General Arista then moved
troops to combat Taylor. After some strategic movements, both armies met in the territory of
Palo Alto. The superiority of the American army forced the Mexicans to fall back. They ended
up losing twice the number of troops than the Americans.11 The committee will start on May
9th 1846. From this moment forward the delegates have full control of the development of
the rest of the war.
Current Issues
Military Difficulties
One of the major problems facing the Mexican people is the size and strength of the army. The
Mexican Army is not as big or as strong as the American army. Mexico does not have a
professional army. Most of its troops are criminals forced to serve in the military. This also
makes the army extremely difficult to manage. Moreover, Mexico has an issue with resources
and it might prove difficult to serve all the needs of the army. Many troops have even
11
“Guerra México – Estados Unidos: 1846 – 1848,” visitado en Agosto 13, 2016,
http://www.historiademexicobreve.com/2015/05/guerra-mexico-estados-unidos-1846-1848.html.
Mexican War Council
abandoned the army.12 This war has been taking a massive toll on the Mexican population.
Each battle takes a little bit more out of the people and they feel hopeless. The unity the
people feel makes each lost life hurt more. This affects not only the Mexican people but the
international perception of them. They seem weak. Some people believe that strengthening
the army and winning the war is the best way to solve the issue while others believe it is time to
surrender and strengthen the Mexican society.
Economic Woes
The economic climate will also affect the war moving forward. The war is creating a high
demand for weapons and war utilities which consequently is driving up the prices. This in turn
results in social distress for the Mexican people. At this moment, it is very difficult to obtain
certain resources. You must think of ways to access these resources in an effective and
innovative way.
Political Issues
The political climate in the country is very tense. The current government is somewhat
unstable due to the war. Most of the generals and politicians disagree on the state of the war.
The public is divided as well. Is it worth it to continue fighting this war? How would surrender
benefit the country? Some people seem to think the war has already taken enough away from
the people while some cannot bear to lose.
12
“La Guerra de Mexico Y Los Estados Unidos,” visitado en Agosto 14, 2016,
http://web.archive.org/web/20070929063659/http://www.gfsnet.org/modlang/span/danielle2001.html.
Mexican War Council
Social Unrest
Even though there are negative effects to the war, there are some positive ones. The war has
increased the sense of nationalism in the Mexican people.13 Even with those who disagree with
the war, they have never felt prouder to be Mexican. There is a historic amount of solidarity
between the people. Even though this is not a weapon, it is a tool used by many to keep the
discouraged citizens from giving up.
Questions to consider

Why is Texas so heavily disputed? What interests do both countries have in the region?

What actions caused the war to break out?

How is the American army structured? What does Mexico have that the United States
does not?
13

What is the best way to strategize against the American army?

How does Mexican society feel about the occurring war?
“La Guerra de México Y Estados Unidos, 1846,” Mundo, March 25, 2013, visitado en Agosto 14, 2016,
http://www.diariocultura.mx/2013/03/la-guerra-de-1846-mexico-y-estados-unidos/.
Mexican War Council
Works Cited
Collado, Adriana. “Qué Fue la Doctrina Del Destino Manifiesto El Destino Manifiesto Y
la Colonización Del Oeste Americano.” September 29, 2013. Accessed August 13, 2016.
http://historiausa.about.com/od/oeste/a/Que-Fue-La-Doctrina-Del-Destino-Manifiesto.htm.
Ferrandiz, Gorka. “La Independencia de Texas.” April 8, 2011. Accessed August 13,
2016. http://historiageneral.com/2011/04/08/la-independencia-de-texas/.
Green, Stanley. Guerra Entre México Y Estados Unidos. Texas: Texas A & M International
University, 2011. http://bibliohistorico.juridicas.unam.mx/libros/6/2957/2.pdf.
Salinas, Brenda. “La Guerra de México Y Estados Unidos, 1846.” March 25, 2013.
Accessed August 14, 2016. http://www.diariocultura.mx/2013/03/la-guerra-de-1846-mexico-yestados-unidos/.
“El Expansionismo Norteamericano. La Doctrina Monroe.” Accessed August 13, 2016.
http://www.historia.palacionacional.info/visita-informativa/estado-nacional/contextomundial/80-el-expansionismo-norteamericano-la-doctrina-monroe.html.
“Guerra México – Estados Unidos: 1846 – 1848.” Accessed August 13, 2016.
http://www.historiademexicobreve.com/2015/05/guerra-mexico-estados-unidos-18461848.html.
“Historia de México.” Accessed August 13, 2016. http://www.historiamexico.info/2013/04/independencia-de-texas.html.
“Información Sobre la Guerra México Contra Estados Unidos, Invasiones a México.”
Accessed August 13, 2016. http://www.explorandomexico.com.mx/about-mexico/4/183/.
“Intervención Estadounidense En México.” Accessed August 13, 2016.
http://coast.pink/intervencion-estadounidense-mexico_2977337.html.
KERA, 2006. “The U.S.-Mexican War . War (1846-1848) . Mexican Perceptions During
the War.” 1995. Accessed September 5, 2016.
http://www.pbs.org/kera/usmexicanwar/war/mexican_perceptions_esp.html.
“La Guerra de Mexico Y Los Estados Unidos.” Accessed August 14, 2016.
http://web.archive.org/web/20070929063659/http://www.gfsnet.org/modlang/span/danielle20
01.html.
“La Independencia de México (1810-1821).” September 28, 2015. Accessed August 13,
2016. https://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/la-independencia-de-mexico-1810-1821.html.
Mexican War Council
“Memoria Política de México.” Accessed August 13, 2016.
http://www.memoriapoliticademexico.org/Textos/2ImpDictadura/1836TDV.html.
“The U.S.-Mexican War . War (1846-1848) . The Battle of Palo Alto.” 1995. Accessed
August 13, 2016.