Role of the Media Overview

American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts

The U.S.-Mexican War marked a major advancement in the role media played in fighting a war. With the advent of devices like the telegraph and the emerging United States newspaper industry, information was fed to the U.S. public at a rate never before thought possible. Some U.S. printers even established "occupation newspapers" in Mexico which assisted in providing information to the U.S. troops as well as the general public. In Mexico, newspapers were aligned with political movements, and either supported or opposed the war depending on their alliances. During the course of the war, as the government changed hands, so too did the balance of power in the Mexican press, helping to shape public opinion.

Communications

Newspapers: Mexican Press

Newspapers: U.S. Press

War Correspondents