American Blood, American Soil: The Story Of The Mexican-American War

By: Luke Shields

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

From the banks of the Rio Grande to the Halls of Montezuma, the Mexican-American War was the pivotal, yet often overlooked, conflict that forged the United States into a continental power. This gripping narrative history tells the complete story of the war that fulfilled America’s vision of Manifest Destiny, stretching its borders from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It is an epic account of how a young and ambitious republic, driven by a belief in its unique mission, forever changed the map of North America.

This book delves deep into the decades of cultural and political friction that led to the conflict, beginning with the first American settlements in Mexican Texas and the defiant struggle for the Lone Star Republic. It examines the powerful expansionist mood that swept the nation and the election of President James K. Polk, a leader with an iron will to see the American flag fly on the shores of California. You will discover the intractable border dispute and the final, failed diplomatic missions that made war not just possible, but inevitable.

Experience the war through the eyes of its legendary commanders, from the rugged Zachary Taylor and his stunning victories at Monterrey and Buena Vista to the brilliant Winfield Scott and his audacious amphibious invasion of Veracruz. Follow the epic marches of the Army of the West as it secures New Mexico without firing a shot, and witness the climactic, bloody battles at the gates of Mexico City. This is a comprehensive account of the war's campaigns, showcasing the incredible feats of the soldiers who fought from the arid deserts of the north to the ancient capital of the Aztecs.

Finally, explore the dramatic peace negotiations that led to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the acquisition of a vast new American West. This work examines the controversial All of Mexico movement and the reasons why American leaders ultimately chose a path of restrained conquest. Uncover the profound and lasting legacies of the war for both nations, from serving as a training ground for the generals of the Civil War to establishing the complex and enduring relationship between the United States and Mexico that exists to this day.