The War with Mexico (Vol.1&2) (eBook)

Justin Harvey Smith (1857–1930) was an eminent American historian and author, renowned predominantly for his comprehensive work on the Mexican-American War. Born on May 20, 1857, in Washington, D.C., Smith invested a significant part of his life in the academic pursuit of history. His magnum opus, 'The War with Mexico' (Vol.1&2), is considered a cornerstone in the historiography of the nineteenth-century conflict. Published in 1919, these volumes won him the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1920, a testament to his meticulous research and profound understanding of the geopolitical and military complexities of the time. Smith's narrative is marked by a balanced and scholarly treatment of both American and Mexican perspectives, avoiding the jingoism that characterized many earlier accounts and leveraging an extensive array of primary sources, which made his work a vital resource for historians and scholars. He focused not just on the political and military events but also examined the societal intricacies and the war's aftermath, reflecting his keen insight into the forces shaping historical events. Smith's literary style was both precise and engaging, making his historical writing accessible to both scholars and general readers. His contribution to the field of American history is significant, and 'The War with Mexico' remains a defining analysis of the conflict, offering invaluable insights into a transformative period for both the United States and Mexico.