American War Council Background Guide

Transcription

1 Background Guide EagleMUNC Boston College Model United Nations Conference Chair: Monica Sax Website: March

2 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

3 COMMITTEE TOPIC BACKGROUND GUIDE Introduction Hello, Delegates and Welcome to EagleMUNC V! My name is Monica Sax, and I will be the chair of this committee. Let me begin by telling you a little about myself: I am a sophomore at Boston College studying Economics in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. I got involved in Model UN in high school and participated in 10+ college conferences over my 4 years. I joined EagleMUNC IV my first week on campus and was part of the simulation staff last year. I hope to be able to bring you an experience like no other this year. As you step into rolls as generals, presidents, and politicians, you have the opportunity to direct this war in any direction you think best. We will be keeping with the conference theme of The Interplay of Power and Ethics. You will have to decide whether your actions in war are ethical, based on the balance of power as it stands. Your critical thinking skills, ingenuity, creativity and adaptability will be put to the test, but the most important aspect to remember is to enjoy your time during committee. I doubt that there will ever be a dull moment. I speak for myself and for all of the EagleMUNC staff when I say that we are all looking forward to meeting you! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me via the address listed above. All of the best and good luck! Your Chair, Monica Sax

4 Historical Background American-Mexican Relationship The Republic of Mexico and The United States of America are nations on the verge of full blown war. This has not always been the case. Their relationship was first solidified in the early years of the United States as an independent nation, when Mexico was still a territory of Spain. In 1819, the two nations signed the Adams-Onís Treaty 1, which established the border between the U.S. and Mexico. This treaty was necessary because of the Louisiana Purchase a mere 16 years previously, as it expanded U.S. territory all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Shortly thereafter, in 1821 Mexico won it s independence from Spain 2. Their relationship was further strengthened in 1823 when Mexico offered land in their territory of Texas to nearby Americans, in an effort to populate and settle the area. Manifest Destiny Little did the Mexican government know that this would prove a source of contention in the near future. Beginning with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, before the time when John O Sullivan coined the term Manifest Destiny 3 in 1845, it was widely 1 U.S.- Mexican War " 2 U.S.- Mexican War " 3 O'Sullivan, John L. "Our Manifest Destiny."

5 accepted that the expansion of the United States was the way to fulfill the destiny of the Unite States. Many Americans saw themselves and their institutions of freedom and self-government as key to any society. Spreading these institutions across the continent became an essential duty to be carried out by the people and the government. The Louisiana Purchase was the beginning, doubling the size of the U.S. and expanding its reach to the west. Later came the Monroe Doctrine, 4 which charged the U.S. with managing the entire Western Hemisphere, and that included managing Mexico and the nation s shared borders. The creation of the Santa Fe Trail 5 was initially merely an exploration of new lands. It became, however, a way to enter into Mexican territory, with Americans settling and furthering trade in that area. The situation in Texas was even more extreme. With only 2,500 Mexicans 6 in northern Texas to begin with, the Americans in Texas quickly outnumbered them. The Texans weren t merely temporary settlers, but Americans who were moving cross-country to spread American values. They moved because of the invitation, but never with the intention of becoming Mexican citizens. 4 Monroe, James. 5 U.S.- Mexican War " 6 U.S.- Mexican War "

6 Texas and the Treaty of Velasco The Mexican central government decided that the Texans were too out of control and were determined to put a stop to them. As Texas would technically be a slave permissible territory according to the Missouri Compromise of the United States, Americans had been bringing slaves with them when they settled. To try to stem the flow of Americans, Mexico revised its constitution in 1835 to outlaw slavery 7. Instead of bringing it further under Mexican control, Texas declared independence 8. President General Antonio López de Santa Anna led his army to quell the revolution. They won the Battle of the Alamo 9, slaughtering all of the Texan defenders at the Catholic mission. This slaughter enraged Americans and Texas settlers alike, causing many to join the Texan army. Led by Sam Houston, the Texans managed to defeat the Mexican army in the Battle of San Jacinto 10. General Santa Anna ordered his troops to retreat past the Rio Grande, right before his own capture. The Treaty of Velasco 11 soon followed. This treaty gave Texas independence from Mexico, 7 U.S.- Mexican War " 8 Nance, Joseph M. "Republic of Texas." 9 Nance, Joseph M. "Republic of Texas." 10 U.S.- Mexican War " 11 The Treaties of Velasco."

7 and drew the border between the two nations at the Rio Grande. Though the Texans were technically free, the rest of the Mexican government failed to recognize the validity of the treaty, saying Santa Anna had no authority to sign it. If anything, they claimed, the Texan territory extended only to the Nueces River. Despite the conflict, or possibly because of it, Texas agreed to become an American state in 1845, after only 9 years as an independent nation. In the annexation resolution, there was no reference to the borders of Texas, as the United States saw the Treaty of Velasco as a clear and legitimate documentation of borders. Post Annexation of Texas U.S. president James K. Polk became president the same year (1845). As a heavy proponent of Manifest Destiny, his inaugural speech 12 centered around extending dominions of peace. Yet the annexation of Texas did exactly the opposite. Only 30 days after sending Texas the proposal, the Mexican ambassador to the U.S. returned 13 to Mexico under unfriendly terms. As Mexico had never accepted the terms of the Treaty of Velasco, they also did not view the annexation of Texas as valid. Yet at this time, the United States was a much stronger nation than Mexico. In 1844, President Santa Anna was overthrown by General José Joaquín de Herrera 14. The United States was stronger economically, militarily, and politically, if only because they were more closely united and not divided into factions. With this in mind, Polk sent General 12 Polk, James K. 13 U.S.- Mexican War " 14 U.S.- Mexican War "

8 Zachary Taylor and Commodore David Conner to Mexico. 15 Their locations, though nearby the land of contention, were not meant as an act of war but meant to act as a warning to President Herrera should he become more antagonistic or belligerent. Secret Diplomacy Polk understood the power dynamic between his nation and Mexico. Realizing that his power was stronger, he sent diplomat John Slidell 16 to Mexico to buy the territory comprising present day New Mexico and California. If President Herrera agreed to this deal, it was also assumed he would recognize the southern border of Texas as the Rio Grande, as opposed to the Nueces River. But this all occurred in secret, so as to not provoke the already agitated Mexican citizens. Unfortunately for both parties, the press found out before the meeting could happen. Fearing repercussions from his people, Herrera refused to meet with Slidell. In January 1846, Herrera was thrown out of office after another coup and General Mariano Paredes y Arrillaga became president 17. Slidell had little success with him either, and returned in March 18 without an agreement. Tensions continued to rise after this as American General Taylor moved his armies past the Nueces River to Veracruz at the Rio Grande 19. It should be noted that the political instability in Mexico during its first four decades of independence has given the United States the advantage. Between 1821 and 1846, four 15 U.S.- Mexican War " 16 Mexican-American War." School Britannica. 17 U.S.- Mexican War " 18 U.S.- Mexican War " 19 Mexican-American War." School Britannica.

9 types of government were tried: a monarchy in 1822, a federal republic in 1824, and two forms of a centralized republic, one of which was in 1836 and the other in Within each type of government there have been coups. The political instability within Mexico, caused in part by an out of touch intellectual elite ruling class, has made it difficult for the public to endorse the war or have faith in their leaders. This is a detrimental combination inside a country going to war. Nueces Strip and Thornton Affair The area between the Rio Grande and the Nueces River is approximately 150 miles. It is this strip that is the source of contention between the two nations, as the border was never commonly agreed upon. After General Taylor moved his armies to the Rio Grande in April 1846, the Mexicans decided to begin fighting back. 21 General Mariano Arista arrived at the Rio Grande and immediately took command of the Mexican forces. He sent a contingent of cavalry 2, strong across the river. This group then encountered an American scouting party of only 70 men. The Mexican units attacked mercilessly and only due to strong training did most of the Americans manage to 20 U.S.- Mexican War " 21 U.S.- Mexican War " 22 U.S.- Mexican War "

10 escape. 16 men were killed 23 and more wounded by the time the scouting party returned to Fort Texas. General Taylor wrote to Polk soon afterward, informing him hostilities have commenced. 24 Siege of Fort Texas The Siege of Fort Texas began on May 3 rd, The Mexican army surrounded the Americans at Fort Texas over the course of 160 hours. Six days later, on May 8 th, General Taylor arrived with 2,400 troops 26, ending the siege. He pursued the Mexican army as they fled, chasing after them with mounted artillery. The committee begins on May 9 th, 1846, leaving you to deal with the fallout of this event. All events up until that day in history may be taken as fact, however future events are subject to change. How you react has the potential to shape the course of the war. Keep in mind your action needs to be fast, as the Mexican committee will be working against you. Current Issues United States Current Affairs Despite its current tumultuous relationship with the Mexican government, the United States does have better relationships with other foreign nations. France, for example, has been a U.S. ally for its entire existence as a nation. They supported the 23 Mexican-American War." School Britannica. 24 U.S.- Mexican War " 25 "The Siege of Fort Texas." 26 U.S.- Mexican War "

11 Americans in their revolutionary war, as well as in their fight against the British and Indians in Furthermore, they allowed Americans to purchase the Louisiana Territory in 1803, doubling American land on the continent. Americans have also made treaties with Russia and Spain, allowing for the same thing. At the present moment, however, the United States relationship with the British is strained. Since 1818, Britain and the United States have co-populated the area known as the Oregon Territory. 27 Yet due to the ever-expanding sense of manifest destiny, Polk has determined that the whole land, up to the latitude line of 54 degrees, 40 minutes ought to belong to the United States. The British, in response, have determined that the whole territory should likewise belong to them. Polk has been engaging in talks with Queen Victoria in an effort to resolve the situation, and he is very close to achieving a compromise, which would split the territory at the 49 th parallel. 28 Hopefully this will be accepted later this year. Division in the Nation The division between the North and South over slavery is a largely factors into whether people support the country entering a war. President Polk has yet to issue a declaration of war against Mexico and Congress has yet to verify anything. Most democrats 29 and southerners favor entering the conflict, as it would give them more space to expand and add one or more new slave states. This would give them more 27 Miller Center of Public Affairs 28 ushistory.org 29 Mexican-American War."

12 power in Congress, which they strongly desire. Whigs and abolitionists, on the other hand, look down on the conflict for the same reason. Whigs especially accuse Polk of picking a fight, and are unwilling to acknowledge the Mexican contention over the official border between the two states. Their worries can be defined in their greatest fear: slave power. This refers to the power that southern states gain if these potential territories are allowed become to become slave-holding states. The South, with its smaller population, would control a disproportionate voting bloc in Congress and be able to exert its power in other areas of government policy 30. This would overwhelm the voices of abolitionists and other Northerners. This internal struggle of adding more free or slave states represents a serious threat to the peace and unity of the United States. The balance of power is now relatively equal, but it could turn at any point. But should the United States win the territory it is after, the question of whether the land will become free or enslaved remains to be seen. How to Proceed: Military, Economic, and Political Difficulties The United States, if it declares war, will also have to think about how to raise an army of stronger numbers and dedicated soldiers. Currently, the U.S. Army is a small group, with many of its leaders and soldiers either too elderly or too inexperienced 31 to do so much good. The militia, a second part of a possible force, is only allowed to fight on U.S. soil and can serve for only 90 days, meaning the army will have to grow and shrink every three months. 30 Cummins, Joseph 31 U.S.- Mexican War

13 Economically, the nation will have to figure out how to fund a war. Wars are expensive and there must be programs created to pay soldiers, create strong supply lines, and provide everything the soldiers need. Wars are a drain on finances and it is unwise to allow war to destroy an entire economy. In addition to the military and economic difficulties, the strong difference in the support of the conflict between the Democrats and Whigs in Congress will remain an issue. Working to convince the sides to work together, not just within Congress, but within the committee itself is going to be difficult. Majority rules, but bipartisan efforts are strongly encouraged. Positions Position/Rank Name Party President James Polk Southern Democrat Vice-President George M. Dallas Northern Democrat Secretary of State James Buchanan Northern Democrat Secretary of the Treasury Robert J. Walker Northern Democrat Secretary of War William L. Marcy Northern Democrat Secretary of the Navy John Y. Mason Southern Democrat General Winfield Scott Southern Whig General Zachary Taylor Southern Whig Major General John C. Freemont Southern Whig Brigadier General Stephen Watts Kearny Northern Apolitical Brigadier General Joseph Lane Southern Democrat Brigadier General Franklin Pierce Northern Democrat Colonel William J. Worth Northern Apolitical Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Childs Northern Apolitical Commander William B. Ide Northern Apolitical Commodore John D. Sloat Northern Apolitical Commodore Robert F. Stockton Northern Democrat Commodore David Conner Northern Apolitical Commodore Matthew C. Perry Northern Apolitical

14 Questions to Consider 1. Does the intersection of power and ethics enter into your position at all, and is it something you believe in? 2. Given your political opinions, do you support the war whole-heartedly or will you try and subvert the efforts? 3. What is the best way to raise a competent army in a short amount of time with minimal funding? 4. Given the distance of Texas, what is the best way to keep supply trains running and protected? 5. Is manifest destiny a justification or a valid reason to go to war?

15 Works Cited Cummins, Joseph. "How Did the Issue of Slavery Affect the Debate Over the War with Mexico?" Demand Media. Accessed 09/04, html. James K. Polk." Miller Center of Public Affairs, University of Virginia. Accessed 08/31, Life Before the Presidency. Miller Center of Public Affairs, University of Virginia. Accessed 08/31, Mexican-American War." School Britannica. Accessed 08/31, Miller Center of Public Affairs, University of Virginia. "James K. Polk: Foreign Affairs.". Accessed 09/04, Monroe, James. "Monroe Doctrine." Accessed 08/31, Nance, Joseph M. "Republic of Texas." Texas State Historical Association. Accessed 08/31, Nueces Strip. Wikipedia. Accessed 08/31, O'Sullivan, John L. "Our Manifest Destiny." Annals of American History. Accessed 08/31, Polk, James K. "Inaugural Address of James Knox Polk." Yale Law School Lillian Goldman Law Library. Accessed 08/31, Reaffirmation of the Monroe Doctrine." Annals of American History. Accessed 08/31, "The Siege of Fort Texas." Accessed 09/01, The Treaties of Velasco." Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Accessed 08/31, Trial Map." Santa Fe Trail Association. Accessed 08/31, ushistory.org. "54 40' Or Fight." U.S. History Online Textbook. Accessed 09/04, United State Mexico Division." PBS. Accessed 08/31, U.S.- Mexican War " PBS. Accessed 08/31,