Relations between the United States and Mexico have become increasingly tense, in part due to the American contribution to the ever-increasing violence of cartels in Mexico. The United States was the main contributor to the cartels' takeover of Mexico, and the current policy approach of limiting the United States' role has failed. History has shown our inability to make peace with Mexico, and without considerable reform in our approach to the "war on drugs," relations between the countries will not improve. Relations between the United States and Mexico have become increasingly complicated since the 19th century. In the mid-1800s, the United States sought to expand its territory by colonizing much of Mexican territory, including parts of California, Arizona, and Texas. The United States was attracted to Mexico's rich lands and agricultural opportunities. Mexico had gained independence from Spain just before the Mexican-American War and was not ready to give up its newly acquired lands. However, in 1846, war broke out between the United States and its southern neighbors. Throughout the struggle, the United States exerted its power over Mexico. Many Mexicans felt threatened by the power of the United States. The United States was seen as a neighboring tyrant, seeking to unjustly exert force on innocent and defenseless people. A number of unfortunate personal exchanges throughout the conflict only worsened the nations' opinions of each other. Mexico continues to view the United States as too powerful a political regime, threatening to discredit its legitimacy as an independent nation. The United States viewed Mexico as a disrespectful and inadequate little brother. Since the war, Mexico, like many other political regimes, has received legal means. By eliminating the black market through needle exchange programs, counseling and other medical aid, and even legalization, the cartels will lose their market. Additionally, the Mexican government should provide similar assistance to those who have been affected by the cartels, whether they have suffered human rights violations or lost land to cartel aggression . It is imperative that the United States and Mexico maintain healthy relations. Proximity to each other inevitably means that countries are linked in multiple ways, from their economies to social issues. By easing the tension related to drug violence that has emerged in Mexico due to U.S. consumption, the countries can focus on improving their relationship to potentially become one of the strongest alliances in the world..