Winner of the Bolton-Johnson Prize Winner of the Utley Prize Winner of the Distinguished Book Award, Society for Military History
“The Dead March incorporates the work of Mexican historians…in a story that involves far more than military strategy, diplomatic maneuvering, and American political intrigue…Studded with arresting insights and convincing observations.” —James Oakes, New York Review of Books
“Superb…A remarkable achievement, by far the best general account of the war now available. It is critical, insightful, and rooted in a wealth of archival sources; it brings far more of the Mexican experience than any other work…and it clearly demonstrates the social and cultural dynamics that shaped Mexican and American politics and military force.” —Journal of American History
It has long been held that the United States emerged victorious from the Mexican–American War because its democratic system was more stable and its citizens more loyal. But this award-winning history shows that Americans dramatically underestimated the strength of Mexican patriotism and failed to see how bitterly Mexicans resented their claims to national and racial superiority. Their fierce resistance surprised US leaders, who had expected a quick victory with few casualties.
By focusing on how ordinary soldiers and civilians in both countries understood and experienced the conflict, The Dead March offers a clearer picture of the brief, bloody war that redrew the map of North America.
Peter Guardino is Professor in the Department of History at Indiana University.
Table of Contents
Cover Title Page Copyright Dedication Contents Introduction 1. The Men Most Damaging to the Population 2. We’re the Boys for Mexico 3. Like Civilized Nations 4. Even the Fathers of Families 5. Each Chapter We Write in Mexican Blood 6. The Yankees Died Like Ants 7. The People of the Town Were Firing 8. Ashamed of My Country 9. The Law of the Strongest Conclusion Abbreviations Notes Illustration Credits Acknowledgments Index