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Rio Grande River Border Dispute: Historical Treaties, Strategic Importance, and Native American Claims Essay

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Introduction to the Debate

The Rio Grande River is a legitimate border acquired through different treaties. The boundary indicates the victory the people of Texas claimed when they decided to be a free country by fighting Santa Anna. The river had strategic importance as the settlers used it as a water source and livelihood through agriculture because of the fertile land (Okie 1211). Even before the US-Mexico war, the border was recognized despite being considered a disputed area. Over 75% of the water is allotted to agricultural uses, making the area strategically important.

Map Analysis

Rio Grande River border
Figure 1: Rio Grande River border (Gallaher 2)

The Rio Grande River is strategically important and has been historically proven since the time of Santa Anna. There was a secession due to poor leadership in Mexico, and Texas fought for independence. After the Mexican dictator was defeated, he was forced to sign the Treaty of Velasco to show that Texas was a free state and was free to invest in it (Menchaca 230). Once the argument is won and the border is accorded as the official border, it will serve millions of citizens as it improves agriculture. It is imperative to note that the Native Americans have a positive claim on the region because they have coexisted in it throughout history.

Border Demarcation

The war between Texas and Mexico determined which side held legitimacy over the border. The Nueces River boundary reduces the Texas territory, which goes against the historical conquering concepts. The border proposed by Mexico is over one hundred and sixty kilometers to the east, lowering the river’s benefits (Okie 1211). The Native Americans and other immigrants depended on the Rio Grande River for their livelihood for an extended period. It is further imperative to note that the erection of infrastructure, such as the ports and the border services near San Antonio, is a sign that the disputed area has been rectified in the past and that the territory belongs to the USA.

Importance of the Conquer

Rivers played strategic roles in ancient times as they served as a source of livelihood. Initially, Texas was part of Mexico so that the government could claim the river. However, due to lousy leadership, secession occurred, making it a free state after the war. The US recognized Texas and proposed having it as the 28th state (Menchaca 230).

The process of acquiring Texas caused tension that led to the US-Mexican War. Therefore, the points on the map show that Native Americans are using the river facility and have the right to be protected. The territory is strategically placed for trade to improve sustainability.

Works Cited

Gallaher, White White. “Comparing Rio Grande and Nueces boundary.” Rio Grande Wild and Nueces River Border, The Bureau, 1990, Pp. 1–2.

Gallaher, White White. “Rio Grande River border.” A new map of Texas: with the contiguous American & Mexican states, H. Dirks, 1837, pp. 1–2.

Menchaca, Martha. “8. The Treaty Of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the racialization of the Mexican population.” Recovering History, Constructing Race. The University of Texas Press, 2021. 215–276.

Okie, Tom. “The American yawp: A free and online, collaboratively built American history textbook.” (2017): 1121–1122.

Young, Mitchell. “Map created after Texas defeated Santa Anna.” Map of territory acquired from Mexico showing boundaries of California, Utah, new Mexico & Texas: as proposed by senate bills 169, 170, 225 & 337, and adopted by congress, press, 1850, pp. 1–4.

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"Rio Grande River Border Dispute: Historical Treaties, Strategic Importance, and Native American Claims." IvyPanda, 28 Dec. 2025, ivypanda.com/essays/rio-grande-river-border-dispute-historical-treaties-strategic-importance-and-native-american-claims/.

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IvyPanda. (2025) 'Rio Grande River Border Dispute: Historical Treaties, Strategic Importance, and Native American Claims'. 28 December.

References

IvyPanda. 2025. "Rio Grande River Border Dispute: Historical Treaties, Strategic Importance, and Native American Claims." December 28, 2025. https://ivypanda.com/essays/rio-grande-river-border-dispute-historical-treaties-strategic-importance-and-native-american-claims/.

1. IvyPanda. "Rio Grande River Border Dispute: Historical Treaties, Strategic Importance, and Native American Claims." December 28, 2025. https://ivypanda.com/essays/rio-grande-river-border-dispute-historical-treaties-strategic-importance-and-native-american-claims/.


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IvyPanda. "Rio Grande River Border Dispute: Historical Treaties, Strategic Importance, and Native American Claims." December 28, 2025. https://ivypanda.com/essays/rio-grande-river-border-dispute-historical-treaties-strategic-importance-and-native-american-claims/.

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