Both countries were infant republics in the early 19th century, and each arguably had a shot at claiming the North American empire. But even as a fledgling republic, the United States had the upper hand when it came to geography. From Mexico City's point of view, the United States may have sealed its North American domain, but what would stop it from dismembering the Mexican state altogether? After all, under multiple presidents and in multiple interventions, the United States has adopted a patronizing attitude toward what it saw as an unruly southern neighbor. Bands of American land pirates, meanwhile, took advantage of the lawlessness and wreaked havoc across Sonora and Baja California.

Source: Forbes February 07, 2017 18:33 UTC