How Long Did It Take the US Military to Conquer the Wild West? (Or, at Least, New Mexico and California)
So, you're wondering how long it took the US military to turn New Mexico and California from "Wild West" to "Wild West, but with Stars and Stripes"? Let's dive into this historical whopper of a question.
A Quick Geography Lesson (Because We Can)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of military maneuvers and such, let's clarify something: New Mexico and California are not exactly next-door neighbors. They're separated by a little state called Arizona, and a bunch of other stuff like mountains and deserts. Just saying. It's like trying to compare apples and oranges, but with more cacti.
The Mexican-American War: A Tale of Two Territories
The US got its hands on these two beauties during the Mexican-American War. Think of it as a real estate deal gone very, very wrong for Mexico.
California: A Speedy Takeover California was like that hot new property everyone wanted. The US military, led by folks like John C. Frémont (the "Napoleon of the West", apparently), and Commodore Robert Stockton, moved in pretty quickly. They faced some resistance from the Californios (Mexican residents of California), but let's just say the outcome wasn't a cliffhanger. The whole thing wrapped up in about six months, give or take a few shootouts.
New Mexico: A Slower Burn New Mexico was a different story. It took a bit longer to secure. General Stephen W. Kearny led the charge, and while there were some skirmishes, it was mostly a matter of marching through vast, empty spaces and trying not to die of thirst. It was like a really long road trip with less pit stops and more opportunities to get lost.
So, How Long Did It Really Take?
To sum it up:
- California: About 6 months (1846-1847)
- New Mexico: A bit longer, but still relatively quick compared to other military campaigns.
It's important to remember that while the military might have claimed victory, the process of actually governing and controlling these territories was a whole different ball game. But that's a story for another time.
How To...
- How to become a Wild West historian: Read books, watch old Westerns (but with a critical eye), and learn to appreciate the complexities of history beyond the black and white cowboy movies.
- How to visit New Mexico and California: Both states offer stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and delicious food. Start planning your trip now!
- How to avoid getting lost in the desert: Use a map, pack plenty of water, and maybe don't rely on a trusty steed for navigation.
- How to appreciate the complexities of history: Remember that history is often messy and full of gray areas. Don't be afraid to question what you read and hear.
- How to enjoy a good history lesson: Find a way to make it fun and engaging. Maybe even add some humor!