Pride & Providence
A History of the American Empire
The Mexican-American War
The First Encounter
It would take several weeks before the first encounter with the Mexican army; nominally lead by the highly revered Antonio Santa Ana would take place. In the meanwhile; the Imperial Dragoons would swoop into Sacramento and numerous other towns of the northern California, claiming the land for the American Empire. Aiding the Imperial Dragoons was the Imperial Army of the West, consisting of 9,000 line infantry; which would begin raiding the frontier of Nevada and Utah.
On January 17th, the first engagement between the Mexican and Americans would take place; at the Texas township of Lubbock. Here the Imperial Army of the South, 12,000 troops would meet a smaller opponent in the numbering 5,000 soldiers of questionable arms. Soon afterwards, on January 23rd, the Army of Observation would slam into a far superior Mexican Army lead by Santa Ana; a total of 33,000 troops were taking part in the battle, the Americans outnumbered by at least 2 to 1. It appeared, at least on paper that the first American defeat of the war would soon occur. However; the commanders would not need to fear, as the Mexican Army was in terrible shape. By January 25th, the Battle of Lubbock ended with the complete destruction and surrender.
By February 11th, the Imperial Army of the South arrived to assist the Army of Observation in its battle against Santa Ana, who himself had been received reinforcements. Santa Ana now faced an equal number of American troops; but thought the majority would be weary from the Battle of Lubbock; thus continued the fight. It would be a terrible mistake; as by February 25th, the Mexican Army retreated, having lost roughly 13,000 troops to the American’s 1,400.
The Imperial Army of the South, quickly began to pursue the fleeing Santa Ana; who it turns out was wounded during the battle of Austin. The forces next met near El Paso, where the Mexican Army had been reinforced; and prepared positions against the expected onslaught of American troops. The battle that ensued would rage from March 12th to March 30th, and would eventually be the third American victory in the war; though it’s most costly victory in the terms of lives lost. While American troopers were losing their lives, additional reinforcements where arriving, namely the 1st Imperial Cavalry, consisting of 9,000 troopers; which would bring the American presence in Texas to 30,000.
The Battle of Lubbock, fought from January 17th to January 25th.
The Battle of Austin, fought from January 23rd to February 25th.
The Battle of El Paso, fought from March 12th to March 30th. A costly American victory.