About the book
The Mexican-American War (1846–48) found Americans on new terrain. A republic founded on the principle of armed defense of freedom was now going to war on behalf of Manifest Destiny, seeking to conquer an unfamiliar nation and people. Through an examination of rank-and-file soldiers, Paul Foos sheds new light on the war and its effect on attitudes toward other races and nationalities that stood in the way of American expansionism.
Drawing on wartime diaries and letters not previously examined by scholars, Foos shows that the experience of soldiers in the war differed radically from the positive, patriotic image trumpeted by political and military leaders seeking recruits for a volunteer army. Promised access to land, economic opportunity, and political equality, the enlistees instead found themselves subjected to unusually harsh discipline and harrowing battle conditions. As a result, some soldiers adapted the rhetoric of Manifest Destiny to their own purposes, taking for themselves what had been promised, often by looting the Mexican countryside or committing racial and sexual atrocities. Others deserted the army to fight for the enemy or seek employment in the West. These acts, Foos argues, along with the government’s tacit acceptance of them, translated into a more violent, damaging variety of Manifest Destiny.
Editions of A Short, Offhand, Killing Affair
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807827314
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807854051
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807862001
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890873927
Read an Excerpt
The Mexican-American War (1846–48) found Americans on new terrain. A republic founded on the principle of armed defense of freedom was now going to war on behalf of Manifest Destiny, seeking to conquer an unfamiliar nation and people. Through an examination of rank-and-file soldiers, Paul Foos sheds new light on the war and its effect on attitudes toward other races and nationalities that stood in the way of American expansionism.
Drawing on wartime diaries and letters not previously examined by scholars, Foos shows that the experience of soldiers in the war differed radically from the positive, patriotic image trumpeted by political and military leaders seeking recruits for a volunteer army. Promised access to land, economic opportunity, and political equality, the enlistees instead found themselves subjected to unusually harsh discipline and harrowing battle conditions. As a result, some soldiers adapted the rhetoric of Manifest Destiny to their own purposes, taking for themselves what had been promised, often by looting the Mexican countryside or committing racial and sexual atrocities. Others deserted the army to fight for the enemy or seek employment in the West. These acts, Foos argues, along with the government’s tacit acceptance of them, translated into a more violent, damaging variety of Manifest Destiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Short, Offhand, Killing Affair about?
The Mexican-American War (1846–48) found Americans on new terrain. A republic founded on the principle of armed defense of freedom was now going to war on behalf of Manifest Destiny, seeking to conquer an unfamiliar nation and people. Through an examination of rank-and-file soldiers, Paul Foos sheds new light on the war and its effect on attitudes toward other races and nationalities that stood in the way of American expansionism.
Drawing on wartime diaries and letters not previously examined by scholars, Foos shows that the experience of soldiers in the war differed radically from the positive, patriotic image trumpeted by political and military leaders seeking recruits for a volunteer army. Promised access to land, economic opportunity, and political equality, the enlistees instead found themselves subjected to unusually harsh discipline and harrowing battle conditions. As a result, some soldiers adapted the rhetoric of Manifest Destiny to their own purposes, taking for themselves what had been promised, often by looting the Mexican countryside or committing racial and sexual atrocities. Others deserted the army to fight for the enemy or seek employment in the West. These acts, Foos argues, along with the government’s tacit acceptance of them, translated into a more violent, damaging variety of Manifest Destiny.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A Short, Offhand, Killing Affair?
History and Archaeology > History > Military history
Where can I read a sample of A Short, Offhand, Killing Affair?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807827314
How long is A Short, Offhand, Killing Affair and how many pages does it have?
A Short, Offhand, Killing Affair has 240 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book A Short, Offhand, Killing Affair?
Paul Foos
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
A Short, Offhand, Killing Affair is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807827314) and paperback(ISBN 9780807854051) and ebook(ISBN 9780807862001) and pdf(ISBN 9798890873927)
Where can I buy A Short, Offhand, Killing Affair online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy A Short, Offhand, Killing Affair?