At the entrance to Chapultepec Park in Mexico City lies a monumental tribute, the Niños Héroes, commemorating six young military cadets who perished while defending their nation during the Mexican-American War.
As the conflict commemorated this week marks 179 years since its inception, the scars of that war remain etched in the Mexican psyche.
While the Mexican-American War may not feature prominently in American collective memory, its repercussions still resonate deeply within Mexico, where the loss of more than half of the nation’s territories to the U.S. continues to fuel sentiments of victimhood and resistance.
Historian Alejandro Rosas articulates this sentiment, stating, “In Mexico there’s a perception that the United States is the villain of our story. That’s the narrative you grow up with; it’s what they teach you in school. We’ve been victims of the United States forever.”
The Niños Héroes symbolize bravery and patriotism; young boys who fought valiantly against what is viewed as a northern oppressor.
In schools across Mexico, students learn their story, and their legacy is upheld in various forms, with their images appearing on the currency and street names dedicated to them.
This week, as families flock to Chapultepec Park to enjoy the spring weather, many pause to capture photographs at the monument where the remains of the Niños Héroes are entombed.
Monserrat Martínez Hernández, a college student, expresses frustration over the historical actions of the U.S., stating, “It’s unfair. They already took away half our territory. Now they want to abuse their power again, this time from an economic perspective.”
The atmosphere in Mexico has been charged with nationalistic fervor since Donald Trump took office in January, compelling citizens to revisit their history of confrontation with the U.S.
Amid this renewed spirit of nationalism, TikTok users have taken to social media, calling for a boycott of American goods by filming themselves discarding Coca-Cola products, while local companies are incorporating the colors of the Mexican flag into their branding.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has harnessed this surge in national pride, often articulating the need to defend Mexico’s sovereignty against perceived U.S. aggression.
In her dealings with the Trump administration, Sheinbaum strikes a complicated balance: while cooperating to avert harsh tariffs—such as deploying National Guard troops to the northern border and transferring suspected cartel members—she also stands firm in resisting actions like U.S. drone strikes on Mexican soil.
She has effectively associated herself with steadfast national pride, embedding the term ‘sovereignty’ into her speeches as she reflects on a storied past and its application for Mexico’s future.
Sheinbaum recently marked a significant anniversary related to the U.S. occupation of Veracruz in 1914, asserting, “Mexico is and always will be a great country. We are neither a protectorate nor a colony of any foreign nation.”
Her words resonate amid concerns about economic conflicts, reflecting an unyielding stance against those who ally with U.S. actions that threaten Mexico’s independence.
For Sheinbaum, the most potent images of treachery echo the historical narrative of conservative Mexicans who in the 1850s extended an invitation to the French, resulting in a prolonged foreign occupation.
Nonetheless, the history of U.S. and Mexican relations is irrefutably tied to territorial expansion campaigns, with the U.S. driven by manifest destiny—a concept that engendered conflict and pain for Mexico.
The annexation of Texas in 1845 marked the beginning of hostilities, culminating in the U.S. declaration of war in 1846 after clashes in Texas, leading to the infamous U.S. advances into Mexican territory, including Mexico City itself.
While Americans may be welcomed warmly during their visits to Mexico, a lingering undercurrent of hostility reveals itself, traceable to a historical narrative steeped in conflict.
Experts like Rosas suggest that this is largely due to the education system within Mexico, which has framed the U.S. as a longstanding adversary to cultivate a sense of solidarity among Mexicans.
Historically, political parties have used this narrative to unite citizens under defensive and nationalistic ideologies, redirecting any discontent toward a common enemy—namely, the United States.
As the Niños Héroes monument stands as a historical reminder, many Mexicans reflect on the current economic warfare and future challenges ahead.
Felix de la Rosa, a chemical engineer, underscores the importance of unity, stating, “As Mexicans, we have to unite for this new battle — which is a trade war. But we shouldn’t bow our heads without fighting. I think the boy heroes are a great example, and that is how we should act, with great courage and dignity in the face of this new battle.”
However, for some individuals like Gerardo Santos, a businessman, the reality seems less optimistic. “The truth is, our country doesn’t have the economic strength they have,” he laments, recognizing the power dynamics at play.
Santos observes that President Trump is all too aware of Mexico’s vulnerabilities, declaring, “In the end, the gringos will win again. There’s nothing we can do about a man like Trump. The guy is crazy.”
Thus, as Mexico stands at yet another crossroads with its northern neighbor, historical grievances resurface, igniting a sense of national identity in the face of perceived economic threats.
The legacy of the Niños Héroes continues to inspire a nation, serving as a poignant reminder of courage in the face of adversity and the complex dynamics of U.S.-Mexican relations.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-04-25/the-united-states-is-the-villain-of-our-story-nationalism-surges-in-mexico-amid-trump-threats
