I dont really know the specifics of how America got Mexican land but I was wondering about the relationship between Mexicans and native Americans since I recently saw a post about old maps showing Mexico owning a large portion of would-be America. Thanks in advance.
Hi there, I might be able to shed some light on this based on the one book I recently read on the subject, American Nations by Colin Woodward.
When Spain discovered the Western Hemisphere, the pope essentially gave them ownership of the entire continent, under the assumption that Spain would convert the population to Catholicism and teach them modern skills. As such, missions were set up wherein local natives were set up in a kind of boarding school (Spanish missions) and forcefully converted while also being taught modern tools, crafts and farming. Spain had the economic power to do all of this because they were stripping the entire continent for anything of value.
Fast forwarding from 1500-1824, Mexico fought and gained its independence from Spain. Suddenly, all of Spain’s economic support dried up and Mexico focused its attention on its southern states, accidentally leaving the present day CA, AZ, NM and TX without any economic support. In addition, civil wars and economic recessions raged from roughly 1824-1872 in Mexico. During this time, hoards of American farmers moved into TX, creating economic activity in a depressed region. At a certain point, Americans began to outnumber Mexicans and the Mexican Army went up to TX to drive them off. I assume you’re familiar with the Alamo, etc.
As for part 2 of your question, Mexican ownership of present day Texas, etc. was a contentious issue at the time. When America made the Louisiana Purchase, they had the understanding that the southern border was the Rio Grande, whereas the Spanish/Mexican government believed its border to be at the Sabine River. Having just fought in the War of 1812 over territory disputes with Britain over the LA Purchase, the US was not inclined to start another war with a European power over it and John Quincy Adams recognized the Sabine as the southern border (around 1826). His political opponent Andrew Jackson disagreed and it was one of the campaign points that got him elected later.
Following TX joining America and its separation from Mexico, the white majority from mostly southern US states created and enforced numerous racial laws. Many were based on a lack of representation which has only begun to change over the past 40 years or so.
I think I answered your question, LMK!