Battle of Mexico City, 1847

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Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna versus Winfield Scott: An American army under Scott assaults a Mexican army under Santa Anna in their own capital. Spirit guides both these armies, whose morale will break first and decide the battle? Includes the Battles of Molino del Rey and Chapultepec. Click on images below to view battle; first image opens video presentation and the second image opens PowerPoint presentation.

While both commanders utilized a number of feints and counterattacks, the battle was decided by the spirit and will to win from the individual soldier. Nonetheless, a single mistake on the part of either commander could have spelt disaster for either side. While the entire Mexican-American War is overlooked for the American Civil War, its battles were necessary stepping stones for the United States to reach its present state, civilian and military.

It cannot be overstated as to how much of a near-run thing this battle was. Santa Anna presented Scott with the opportunity to defeat his forces in detail but Scott still had to defeat each one with the bayonet. Had any of these assaults been checked decisively, Santa Anna may have survived long enough for Scott’s force to wither on its logistical shoestring or launch his own offensive. Instead, Scott was able to confuse Santa Anna, then surprise and assail any objective he chose.

I feel this is one of my more complete animations which are prime examples of what is “right” about presenting battles in this way. Accounts of this battle are very American in that they tell the battle from a personal, anecdotal level. This is a useful aspect of battles but the goal of these animations is to teach tactics, strategy and maneuver. I therefore glossed over the bravery and patriotism by describing it as “fierce” or “bitter” and focused on the battle’s maneuvers. The animation had great potential to be overcomplicated but I feel I have used PowerPoint’s features successfully to show anyone how the battle played out and why.

- Jonathan Webb

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