The War with Mexico, 1846-48

Long forgotten and tucked between the War of 1812 and the War of the Southern Rebellion, the War with Mexico (1846-48) is actually very germane for the modern reader because it shows how limited wars, what Rudyard Kipling called "The Savage Wars of Peace," should actually be fought. Knowing that he could only go in with a few thousand soldiers, General Scott ensured that the Mexican government stayed intact during the war so he could negotiate with it. In this way, the U.S. did not need a large occupation force to achieve its objectives. This is therefore the story of how a "Savage War for Peace" should be waged-if we're to wage one at all. It's a story about aggressive conventional commanders-Regular and Volunteer-and very wise unconventional commanders who were tasked with fighting Mexican partisans as the negotiations took place. Included are clear, easy to read maps as well as organizational charts.