Interesting Facts
- War conditions were terrible, both sides suffered greatly from disease, which killed seven times more soldiers than combat during the war. Soldiers suffered from a variety of diseases, including yellow fever, malaria, dysentery, measles, diarrhea, cholera and smallpox. These illnesses were treated with remedies such as leeches, brandy, mustard, opium and lead.
- The Mexican-American War saw a phenomenon that is nearly unique in the history of war -soldiers from the winning side deserting and joining the enemy! Thousands of Irish immigrants joined the US army in the 1840's, looking for a new life and a way to settle in the USA. These men were sent to fight in Mexico, where many deserted because of harsh conditions, lack of Catholic services and blatant anti-Irish discrimination in the ranks.
- Between 1846 and 1848, the United States of America and Mexico were at war. Tension over the statehood of Texas and the USA's desire for Mexico's western territories (such as California) were the primary causes of the war. The USA won every major battle and by September of 1847 was in control of Mexico City. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war and resulted in Mexico losing nearly half of its national territory.
- Antonio López de Santa Anna was a Mexican politician and military leader who was President of Mexico eleven times from 1833 to 1855
- The Battle of Palo Alto (May 8, 1846) was the first major engagement of the Mexican-American War. Although the Mexican army was significantly larger than the American force, American superiority in weapons and training carried the day.