The War with Mexico by Justin H. Smith is a definitive two-volume history of the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), awarded the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1920. This comprehensive and meticulously researched work explores the origins, major battles, diplomacy, and far-reaching consequences of a pivotal but often overlooked conflict in American history.
Smith traces the war’s roots to territorial ambitions, political tensions, and cultural misunderstandings between the United States and Mexico. He provides detailed accounts of key military campaigns—from Zachary Taylor’s victories in northern Mexico to Winfield Scott’s march on Mexico City—while also examining the broader geopolitical stakes and domestic debates surrounding the war.
Drawing on a wide range of sources, including American and Mexican records, Smith presents a balanced and vivid narrative that highlights both strategic brilliance and moral complexity. This complete edition remains an essential resource for scholars, students, and general readers seeking to understand one of the 19th century’s most consequential wars.
