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Why did the USA win the Mexican-American War?

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:18:39 +0000

Mexico should have won the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). The war was almost completely fought on Mexican soil, which should have given them an insuperable advantage. American supply lines were vulnerable and overextended. The Mexicans outnumbered the Americans at nearly every major battle. Mexican soldiers, having recently fought in the Texas War of Independence and the Pastry War, were veterans, led by charismatic generals like Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Yet not only did Mexico lose the war, they lost every major battle along the way. How could this happen?

Eloy Alfaro, the Old Fighter

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:42:11 +0000

The People of Quito -some of them, at least - hated former President Eloy Alfaro enough that on January 28, 1912, they broke into the prison where he was held, shot him and some of his supporters, and dragged their bodies through the streets. Yet today, Alfaro is considered by modern Ecuadorians to be one of their best presidents ever and his image in on the Ecuadorian 50 cent piece. Why the change of heart?

The Death of Black Bart Roberts

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:38:05 +0000

"Black Bart" Roberts beat the odds for three years: he was captain of a pirate ship from 1719 to 1722: a very long career for a pirate. But he couldn't escape his enemies forever. On February 10, 1722, Roberts was cornered off the coast of Africa by pirate hunters. Would history's greatest pirate go down without a fight?

The Mexican-American War

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:09:27 +0000

The Mexican-American War lasted from 1846 to 1848 and was fought from California to Mexico City and many points in between. There were about ten major engagements: the USA won them all. Why did these two neighbors go to war and why did the USA win so decisively?

The Battles of the Mexican-American War

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:45:07 +0000

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was fought from California to Mexico City and many points in between. The Americans had the discipline and technology, the Mexicans numbers and the passion that comes from defending their homeland. Learn more about the battles of the Mexican-American War!

Captain Morgan Sacks Panama!

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:42:50 +0000

It was on January 28, 1671 that legendary privateer Henry Morgan sacked the Spanish city of Panama. It followed weeks of hardship as he and his men landed on the Caribbean side of Panama, fought their way past Spanish forts and defenses and attacked the city, which was on the Pacific side. Much of the loot had sailed off, but the Sack of Panama was still worth the effort!

Mary Read, Pirate

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:46:35 +0000

Being a bloodthirsty pirate was not for men only! Case in point: Mary Read, who served along with Anne Bonny on "Calico Jack" Rackham's pirate crew in 1718-1720. Read was not only a good pirate, she was better at it than most of the others on Rackham's crew!

The Battle of Chapultepec

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:15:27 +0000

The Battle of Chapultepec was the decisive battle of the Mexican-American War. After American General Winfield Scott had inexorably pushed across eastern Mexico, there remained only one bastion of resistance: Mexico City itself. Scott's army got closer and closer, and on September 13, 1847, they made their final assault into the city. Guarding the city gates was the impressive fortress of Chapultepec, filled with desperate soldiers and brave young cadets from the Military Academy. Would they be able to hold out against the mighty American army?

The Battle of Molino del Rey

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:56:44 +0000

In September of 1847, an armistice between the Mexicans and invading Americans fell apart and the American army began operations once again. Their objective was nothing less than the capture of Mexico City. The first obstacle standing in their path was a fortified mill known as Molino del Rey. On September 8, Americans assaulted the mill. Would this be the first step in the fall of Mexico City?

The Battle of Churubusco

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:11:20 +0000

On August 20, 1847, the American army attacked the outskirts of Mexico City. After routing the western end of the Mexican defenses at the Battle of Contreras, the Americans were ready to move into the city. Resistance would be stiff, however: at the Battle of Churubusco, Americans tried to take a key bridge which was defended by the best Mexican troops, including the legendary St. Patrick's Battalion. Who would prevail on that hot summer day?