1845: Mexico Drops Diplomatic Relations with the U.S.

Name: 1845: Mexico Drops Diplomatic Relations with the U.S.
Start: 1845-03-28
Location: Unspecified

The Tensions Leading to Diplomatic Strain

In the early 19th century, the relationship between Mexico and the United States was already fraught with tension, particularly after Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836. This event set the stage for future conflicts, primarily driven by Westward expansion and differing ideologies regarding land ownership and governance.

The Texas Independence and Its Consequences

The **Texas Revolution** was a pivotal moment that led Mexico to sever diplomatic ties with the United States in 1845. Texan rebels, supported indirectly by American settlers, rejected Mexican rule, leading to a brief war that ended in Texas gaining its independence. However, Mexico never recognized this independence, seeing Texas as a part of its territory.

U.S. Expansionism Sparks Fear

As Americans began to migrate into Texas and the U.S. government eyed the **annexation of Texas**, fears mounted in Mexico about American expansionism. The political climate in the United States, with calls for Manifest Destiny, exacerbated these fears and led to a decisive breaking point in relations.

The Formal Break in Relations

In 1845, Mexico formally dropped its diplomatic relations with the United States primarily in response to U.S. actions regarding Texas. This break was not just a political maneuver; it was a clear signal of the growing hostility that would eventually culminate in the Mexican-American War.

The Impact of U.S. Annexation of Texas

The annexation of Texas by the United States in December 1845 was seen as an act of aggression by Mexico. Following this event, diplomatic communications between the two nations virtually ceased, marking a significant deterioration in their relationship that had lasting effects.

The Prelude to War

This diplomatic rupture was more than just a breakdown of talks; it set the stage for the **Mexican-American War** of 1846-1848. The war resulted in vast territorial changes, with Mexico losing about half of its territory to the United States, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Fun Fact

The Mexican War's Unintended Consequences

The aftermath of the Mexican-American War was significant, as it not only reshaped the borders of North America but also intensified issues regarding slavery and statehood, planting seeds for future conflicts within the United States.