Naming the Mexican–American War

There have been numerous alternative names for the Mexican-American War that reflect the historical, political, and cultural sensitivities of different groups and regions.

Naming the war

The following names have been, or are, used to describe the conflict itself, listed roughly by frequency of use. The first two names have seen enduring usage; the remaining names have been more isolated.

Enduring names in the U.S.

*Mexican War

*Mexican-American War

Other U.S. historical terms

*Mr. Polk's War

*U.S.-Mexican War

Enduring names in Mexico

*"La Intervención Norteamericana" ("The North American Intervention")

*"La Invasión Estadounidense" ("The United States Invasion")

*"La Guerra de Defensa" ("The Defensive War")

*"La Guerra del 47" ("The War of '47")

Naming the combatants

*U.S. forces were popularly referred to as "
*Mexican forces were commonly referred to

Naming the battles and armies

In other languages

References