Part 72

Explore the historical context of the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War, and understand their impact on Civilization V's development and gameplay.

This section delves into the historical events that shaped the United States, focusing on the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. These conflicts provide crucial context for understanding various aspects of Civilization V's gameplay, including territorial expansion, political ideologies, and societal development.

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

The war began with disputes over the annexation of Texas and border skirmishes. Despite initial Texan successes, Santa Anna was defeated and captured, leading to the grudging agreement of Texan independence. However, the Mexican government disavowed the treaty. The United States annexed Texas in 1845, and by 1846, American troops occupied disputed territory. A clash between Mexican cavalry and an American patrol served as the casus belli for the United States to declare war.

The war was short and decisive. An American army landed at Veracruz and marched west, defeating the Mexican army and occupying Mexico City. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ceding vast territories to the US, including what would become Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, and parts of Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Colorado. In return, the US paid Mexico $18,250,000. This war also served as training for American soldiers who would later fight in the Civil War.

The American Civil War (1861-1865)

By the 1850s, tensions between the slave states of the South and the free states of the North had reached a breaking point. The agrarian Southern economy relied on slave labor, while the industrializing North had access to European immigrant labor. Slavery was deeply ingrained in Southern life, while many in the North viewed it as a grave sin. The election of Abraham Lincoln, a moderately anti-slavery candidate, in 1860 triggered the secession of Southern states and the outbreak of civil war.

The war began poorly for the Union (North), as the Confederacy (South) had a stronger military tradition and many skilled officers. Initially, both armies were untrained, and many expected a short conflict. However, the first major battle, Bull Run, was a Union defeat, leading to four years of grinding warfare. Despite Southern victories, the North's superior numbers and industrial capacity, along with improving Northern generals and unwavering Union morale, eventually led to victory. The Southern capital fell in 1865, followed by the surrender of remaining Southern armies. President Lincoln was assassinated shortly after the war's conclusion.

Consequences and Westward Expansion

The most significant outcome of the Civil War was the abolition of slavery. However, progress for African Americans was slow during the Reconstruction period. The latter half of the 19th century saw significant westward migration of American citizens, facilitated by the construction of railroads. This expansion led to the displacement of Native American populations onto smaller reservations. Immigrants continued to arrive, seeking opportunities in the United States.

In the late 19th century, the US also fought a war against Spain, fueled by jingoistic media, which resulted in territorial gains for the United States.