Women in Mexico and the United States of America have played an important role in structuring their society and elevating their status. Between 1846 and 1930, the stereotypes and position of women in these countries differed greatly from each other. Although the various traditional roles of women remained the same, the way they were viewed differed. In many ways, women in Mexico occupied a higher position than those in the United States during this period. While women in Mexico and the United States both fought for their rights, their choices and actions were shaped by the world around them. Between 1846 and 1848 the United States and Mexico were at war with each other. The United States attacked Mexico because it believed it had a right to its land. They called this right Manifest Destiny. In the end the United States won, this was a huge defeat for the Mexican people who were forced to give up about half of their territory. This defeat occurred shortly after Mexico declared its independence. While thousands of Americans fought in the war, not all Americans believed the war was justified. In his address to the nation, President James Polk said that the United States will fulfill its destiny by bringing peace to the less fortunate. In contrast, many in America believed the war was unjust, realizing that the disputed territory had never belonged to the United States. Among those who opposed President Polk's declaration of war was Congressman Abraham Lincoln, who refuted the president's claims by analyzing his speech. Thomas Parker gave a speech entitled “Sermon on War” in which he criticized war for the same reasons as Abraham...... middle of paper ......g unjust, immoral, and killing innocents. This testimony paints an ugly portrait of the United States, accusing America of caring more about profit than the lives of its people, especially immigrant women. It clearly states that if women are treated as secondary citizens, immigrant workers are beneath them.¬¬Women in Mexico and the United States have both faced enormous obstacles to overcome. Despite the difficulties they faced, women in both countries sought to better themselves amid the chaos. They fought to gain control of their lives and demanded to have a voice in their country. In the United States, women have fought not only against patriarchy, but also against racism and xenophobia. In Mexico, women were ready to take up arms and defend their country, even though they couldn't vote.