The United States has set its sights on Mexico as the next country to intervene in. Politicians are pushing a bill that would set the ground for military intervention in Mexico, which has been used in the past to justify taking land from Mexicans or imposing a more friendly government to American companies. This is an alarming development and it’s important to understand the history of U.S.-Mexico relations and how this could potentially lead to another harrowing chapter in our shared history.
U.S.-Mexico Relations Since 1848
The relationship between the United States and Mexico has been strained since before the two countries even existed as separate entities, with battles being fought over disputed border territories dating back all the way to 1848. This tension was further exacerbated by several interventions by the U.S., including during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) and again during World War II (1939-1945). In each instance, these interventions were justified by claims of protecting American interests but often resulted in devastating losses of both lives and property for Mexicans living within those contested areas.
In recent decades, tensions have only increased due to immigration policies such as Operation Wetback (1954), which encouraged mass deportations of Mexican citizens from the United States without due process, and Operation Gatekeeper (1994), which sought to “prevent illegal aliens from entering our country” through militarized borders along California’s southern border with Mexico. These draconian tactics have led many experts to believe that any potential U.S.-led intervention into Mexico could be based on similar motives—the protection of American interests at any cost—which should be a cause of concern for all those involved.
The Potential Consequences of Intervention
If history is any indication, then we can expect dire consequences if this proposed intervention into Mexico goes ahead as planned. Not only will this likely mean further erosion of already strained international relationships between the two countries, but it could also result in devastating human rights violations for those living within affected areas and even displacement or death for certain communities who may find themselves caught in a crossfire between opposing forces. Even if U.S.-led military intervention does not go ahead this time around, it is still concerning that politicians are so quick to resort to military action just because they think it might benefit their own interests—and thus serves as a reminder that we must remain vigilant against such abuses of power no matter where they take place around the world.
The situation between the United States and Mexico is highly concerning and requires urgent attention from both sides if we hope to avoid yet another harrowing chapter in our shared history together. It is important that we understand our complex past relationship so that we can prevent future interventions from happening—as well as hold those who seek to implement them accountable for their actions—so that we can ensure a better future for everyone involved going forward no matter which side of the border they happen to live on today or tomorrow.
U.S.-Mexico Relations Since 1848
The relationship between the United States and Mexico has been strained since before the two countries even existed as separate entities, with battles being fought over disputed border territories dating back all the way to 1848. This tension was further exacerbated by several interventions by the U.S., including during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) and again during World War II (1939-1945). In each instance, these interventions were justified by claims of protecting American interests but often resulted in devastating losses of both lives and property for Mexicans living within those contested areas.
In recent decades, tensions have only increased due to immigration policies such as Operation Wetback (1954), which encouraged mass deportations of Mexican citizens from the United States without due process, and Operation Gatekeeper (1994), which sought to “prevent illegal aliens from entering our country” through militarized borders along California’s southern border with Mexico. These draconian tactics have led many experts to believe that any potential U.S.-led intervention into Mexico could be based on similar motives—the protection of American interests at any cost—which should be a cause of concern for all those involved.
The Potential Consequences of Intervention
If history is any indication, then we can expect dire consequences if this proposed intervention into Mexico goes ahead as planned. Not only will this likely mean further erosion of already strained international relationships between the two countries, but it could also result in devastating human rights violations for those living within affected areas and even displacement or death for certain communities who may find themselves caught in a crossfire between opposing forces. Even if U.S.-led military intervention does not go ahead this time around, it is still concerning that politicians are so quick to resort to military action just because they think it might benefit their own interests—and thus serves as a reminder that we must remain vigilant against such abuses of power no matter where they take place around the world.
The situation between the United States and Mexico is highly concerning and requires urgent attention from both sides if we hope to avoid yet another harrowing chapter in our shared history together. It is important that we understand our complex past relationship so that we can prevent future interventions from happening—as well as hold those who seek to implement them accountable for their actions—so that we can ensure a better future for everyone involved going forward no matter which side of the border they happen to live on today or tomorrow.
