United States declaration of war upon Mexico facts for kids
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| Long title | "An Act providing for the Prosecution of the existing War between the United States and the Republic of Mexico." |
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| Enacted by | the 29th United States Congress |
| Effective | May 13, 1846 |
| Citations | |
| Statutes at Large | 9 Stat. 9 |
| Legislative history | |
| Major amendments | |
| Amended by subsequent legislation, 9 Stat. 17 | |
On May 13, 1846, the United States Congress passed a very important law. This law was called An Act providing for the Prosecution of the existing War between the United States and the Republic of Mexico. By passing this act, the United States officially declared war against Mexico. This declaration started the Mexican–American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848.
The law explained how the American military would be organized for the war. It set rules for how many soldiers could join and how they would be recruited. It also said that 10 million dollars would be used to pay for the war. A little later, on June 18, 1846, the law was updated to make the military organization even clearer.
Contents
Declaring War on Mexico
The law began by stating that a state of war already existed because of actions taken by Mexico. This meant the United States believed Mexico had started the conflict. The main goal of the law was to help the U.S. government win the war quickly and successfully.
What the Law Allowed
The act gave the President of the United States special powers for the war.
- It allowed the President to use the country's existing military forces, including the army and navy.
- The President could also ask for and accept up to 50,000 volunteers to join the fight. These volunteers could serve as cavalry (soldiers on horseback), artillery (soldiers who use cannons), infantry (foot soldiers), or riflemen.
- Volunteers would serve for 12 months or until the war ended, unless they were released earlier.
- The law also set aside 10 million dollars from the government's money to pay for the war.
How Soldiers Were Organized
The law had specific rules for how soldiers would be brought into service and organized.
Militia Service
If the President thought it was necessary, state militias could be called to serve. These militia members could be required to serve for up to six months in any one year.
Volunteer Rules
Volunteers who joined the army had some special rules:
- They had to provide their own clothes.
- If they were cavalry, they also had to bring their own horses and horse equipment.
- Once they officially joined the service, the United States government would provide their weapons.
- Volunteers had to follow the same rules as regular army soldiers.
- Instead of getting clothes from the army, non-commissioned officers (like sergeants) and private soldiers would get money. This money was equal to the cost of clothing for a regular army soldier.
Forming Units
The President would accept volunteers in groups. These groups included:
- Companies
- Battalions
- Squadrons
- Regiments
The officers for these groups would be chosen in the way each state or territory usually chose its officers.
Building the Army
The President was also allowed to combine these smaller groups into larger military units. As more volunteers joined, the President could organize them into:
- Battalions or squadrons
- Regiments
- Brigades
- Divisions
If needed, the President could also assign staff, field, and general officers to different states and territories based on where the volunteers came from.
The law also made sure that soldiers were taken care of and that the country's defenses were strong.
Benefits for Wounded Soldiers
Volunteers who were wounded or became disabled while serving in the war would receive benefits. This meant they would get help and support, similar to what regular soldiers received if they were injured.
The President was given permission to quickly finish building any warships that were already planned. The President could also buy or rent merchant ships and steamboats. These ships would then be armed, equipped, and staffed to become warships. This was done to protect the country's coastlines, including the seaboard and lake coasts, and for the general defense of the nation.
Pay and Allowances
When militia members or volunteers joined the U.S. service, they would have the same organization, pay, and allowances as the regular army.
- Mounted soldiers (privates, non-commissioned officers, musicians, and skilled workers) would receive an extra 40 cents per day. This money was for the use and risk of their horses.
- However, if a mounted volunteer did not have a usable horse, they would have to serve on foot instead.
