Coming of the American Civil War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Coming of the American Civil War - Essay Example The idea of â€Å"Manifest Destiny† made American leadership ardent worshipers of expansion. Texas decided to join with the United States, and on July 4, 1845, the annexation gained approval from the U.S. Congress. This was the reason for beginning of the war between Mexico and United States. Whereas the Mexican-American War resulted in great territorial gains for America, its implications on the history of America turned out to be interesting and it created another history. It hastened the process of the American Civil War. From the point of view of the expansion of the geographical boundaries of USA, the present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, were part of the former Nation of Mexico. The far reaching implication of this war that resulted in the addition of the states is, the swing in the delicate balance between the slave states and free states. None was willing to lose the political power to the other and hence the threats of accession began to gain ground. This war was the training ground for the military men and officers and some of the individuals later led the American Civil War. The prominent generals amongst them were Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee. (Wilmot....) Wilmot Proviso led to major political upheavals in USA and to the creation of the Republican Party in 1854 based on anti-slavery platform. The prohibition of slavery from the newly acquired territories from Mexico was the sum and substance of Wilmot Proviso. For the opponents of slavery it provided a great platform. The evolution of the Free Soil Party is an important development of the 1840s resulting from the intense ideological difference between pro and anti-slavery movements in the United States. Though national politics was controlled by two major parties, Democratic and Whig, there were supporters and opponents of slavery within both the parties. In the newly acquired