Battle Of Palo Alto Essay

There have been a lot of fundamental wars and battles in the history of the United States. From the Revolutionary War to our ongoing military intervention against ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), all these battles/wars have played major roles in the outcome of the United States history. One battle that shaped up the United States would have to be the Battle of Palo Alto. The Battle of Palo Alto saw the first battle between Mexico and the United States, which would eventually lead to the famous Mexican-American War. Without this battle that would eventually lead to a war, the United States might have not been the county it is today. In this course paper, I will discuss the events that lead to the Battle of Palo Alto, the battle itself, …show more content…
The after math of Palo Alto saw many injuries and deaths amongst the Mexican army. “The constant pounding from U.S. 18-pounders and efficient use of light field pieces had inflicted heavy Mexican casualties. Arista 's army suffered 102 killed, 129 wounded, and 26 missing. U.S. casualties numbered only 9 killed, 44 wounded, and 2 missing (nps.gov).” If the message wasn’t clear enough for the Mexican army that the Americans were here to win, the Battle of Resaca de la Palma would definitely prove their point, since the Americans won that battle decisively. To make things even worse for the Mexican country, General Zachary Taylor not only wanted to fight for the Grande Rio border, he wanted to take complete control of Mexico. Not being satisfied from winning Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Taylor commanded his army across the Rio Grande into Mexican soil. According to history.com, “Zachary Taylor would attack the Mexicans on their own soil and cause much destructive chaos amongst the towns. As for the next 10 months, Zachary Taylor won four battles and gained control over the three northeastern Mexican states. The following year, the focus of the war shifted elsewhere, and Taylor’s role diminished. Other generals continued the fight, which finally ended with General Winfield Scott’s occupation of Mexico City in September of 1847.” This would allow for other generals to shine like Winfield Scott and Ulysses S. Grant in the Mexican-American war. As a result of being a part of both the battle of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Ulysses S/ Grant learned to not fear combat as well as the importance of sound logistics and adequate supply. Grant and his regiment accompanied the army of General Winfield Scott all the way to Mexico City, where Grant distinguished himself in the battles of Molino Del Rey and Chapultepec (pbs.org). The Battle of Palo Alto left an unprecedented