Remember the Alamo!

I'm preparing to teach Mexican History next semester. Yes, that's right, a white North American is teaching Mexican History in English to a bunch of Koreans, a Puerto Rican, and a few other North Americans.

Anyway, I thought I'd clear up a few bits of confusion regarding the Alamo and the U.S-Mexican War.

Here's what we are taught in the U.S: The Mexican army, under the command of Santa Anna, attacked the Alamo in Texas, killing women and children and possibly Davy Crocket (the nerve!). Then, Pancho Villa ran around Texas shooting random civilians. So, the U.S. fought to save Texas, and we won not only Texas but also half of Mexico's territory at that time during something called the "Mexican American War".

Here's what Mexicans are taught: The Americans invaded their country from the northern border and then put their own women and children in danger by demanding independence. Then, the Americans entered Veracruz (a port on the Gulf coast) and destroyed much on their way to Mexico City, where they murdered the "children heroes" without so much as a how-do-you-do. Also, the Americans secretly helped to extend a war in the Yucatan, one which eventually led to the destruction of the Maya culture.

Confused? I had never known that U.S. troops went farther than Texas. I had never known why, exactly, the U.S. got half of Mexico's territory. And I definitely had never heard of a battle in Mexico City! So, who's telling the truth?

No one, unfortunately.
Tomorrow's post will explain this a little bit better.