President Polk's Justification For The US War With Mexico

The United States war with Mexico continues to be a divisive topic, seeing as how the justification for the war may go both ways. It all began with Mexico offering cheap land in hope of bringing in settlers. Thousands of Americans came into Mexico only to end up having to follow untenable laws, and a dispute over who owned Texas’ land, as former Americans now outnumbered the Tejanos, and the majority of Texas wanted to break away from Mexico anyhow, broke out. Things escalated, and blood was eventually shed. Although this war is seen as controversial, evidence from the fact the U.S. government attempted to form an alliance with Mexico beforehand, the attack of American land, and the discord over Texas’ ownership points to the conclusion that
From ‘Polk’s Address to Congress’.., “The strong desire to establish peace.. on liberal and honorable terms, and the readiness of this Government to regulate and adjust our boundary.. as would lead to permanent relations of the most friendly nature induced me..” As one can see, President Polk wanted to establish a peaceful, friendly relationship with Mexico to ensure they would be on good terms. He had sworn to go to lengths as far as altering their boundaries to an agreeable measure to keep the Mexican government pleased. According to the same document, however, “The Mexican Government not only refused to receive him, or listen to his propositions, ..and have made no proposition of any kind.” Despite Polk’s kind plea, Mexico made it their job to refuse the offer and completely ignored America until they needed
Tension had skyrocketed when Mexico attacked Americans when neither had a valid reason for being provoked. The problem began when Polk ordered for troops to be stationed on a portion of the disputed territory. Affirmed by Creating America, Mexico sent troops that killed 16 American soldiers after believing this was an act of war.. This action caused a major uproar among Americans and the call for war was almost certain. On May 13 1846, a few weeks after the incident, war was officially initiated when Polk made the statement to Congress that “Mexico has invaded our territory and shed American blood upon American soil.” Thousands of volunteers from America and Mexico alike enlisted in their respective armies to defend their country and