How was the War of 1812 and the Mexican War were precipitated by the U.S.'s expansionist tendencies.?

Question

How was the War of 1812 and the Mexican War were precipitated by the U.S.'s expansionist tendencies.?

Answer 1

I like Robbo's answer.

The US had a concept of 'Manifest Destiny' which was to dominate the whole of North America.  It's easy to see how the Mexican War fits into that plan, as Western ports on the Pacific were essential - but what was the big deal over Canada, why would the US want it?  

Probably, the strategic importance of Canada were its Maritimes provinces, and nearby Great Lakes region.  Through this water system, lest foreign navies go into the Midwest through the St. Lawrence River.  Thus, American war efforts in 1812 concentrated on the St. lawrence river area in Ontario and Quebec, instead of Western Canada.  

Answer 2

Prior to the Mexican-American War the USA had been trying to purchase the American Southwest, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and parts of Utah and Colorado for sometime from Mexico.  After the annexation of Texas into the Union a border dispute erupted between the USA and Mexico regarding what the recongized border should be.  The USA thought it was the Rio Grande River, Mexico thought it was 150 miles north.  The USA sent troops into Mexico to fight to solidify this border and in defeating Mexico was able to purchase the American Southwest for about half the price they originally offering Mexico.

During the War of 1812, the USA had set its eyes on Canada.  After the American Revolution the USA gained all British territory to the Mississippi River.  Present day Canada remained under British rule.  The USA found the war as the means to conquer this land, however after several failed attempts Canada remained under British rule.

Answer 3

The War of 1812 was no so much based on expansionism as it was on respect. The British were forcing American merchants to serve in their Navy to fight against France. The British were also encouraging Native Americans to attack American settlements on the western frontier. When war was declared on Britain, the American military decided to invade Canada and try to conquer it, it failed miserably, as did British attempts to invade America. However, on the western frontier, the Native Americans were defeated which led to easier expansion after the war.

As for the Mexican American war, Polk provoked a fight with Mexico, knowing that we would win the war, and gain more territory. We did win, capturing Mexico City itself. The Americans forced Mexico to cecede a great amount of territory in the southwest, and Americans moved in to settle.

Answer 4

The Mexican War was certainly motivated by expansionism, together with pressure from Americans who had settled in substantial numbers in Mexican territory.

The War of 1812 was not primarily precipitated by expansionism. Rather, the main cause was a British assertion of the right to command the seas in a number of way detrimental to American interests.