The relationship between the United States and Mexico is filled with drama, tension, love, and competition.  As people who spend a lot of time or live in Mexico, shouldn’t we learn as much as possible about this fascinating relationship?  Joe Belden will take his students deep into the lesser known but epic clash between the two nations and cultures in the War of 1846-48.  Joe has taught this course at American University in Washington, D.C. to positive reviews.  Employing the paradigm-shifting work of several historians who have re-examined the conflict, Joe covers the earlier revolt of Texas against Mexico, the background and causes of the war, its aftermath and role in the coming Civil War, and the roles of James K. Polk, Congressman Abraham Lincoln, Henry Clay, and other figures. Students will leave the class with a new understanding of the dynamics that shape the relationship between Mexico and the United States to this day.  

 

Joe Belden lives in Washington, DC, and San Miguel. He teaches on Manifest Destiny and the US-Mexican War at the American University OLLI program and is vice-chair of the OLLI board. He writes regularly for The Daily Yonder and other publications. He was Deputy Exec. Dir. of the Housing Assistance Council (www.ruralhome.org). He also worked in government and for other nonprofits in DC and is the lead author of books on affordable housing and food issues. He is a graduate of the University of Texas-Austin and the Baylor University Law School. He grew up in Texas and lived in Mexico as a small child.