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Letter To Mexico Essay

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In May of 1846, US President James K. Polk sent a letter to Congress asking for a declaration of war with Mexico. Polk an ardent expansionist saw an opportunity to secure Texas for the United States of America. At this point in time Texas had seceded from Mexico and was offered statehood by the US Congress. Mexico disagreed and was instigating war in an attempt to win Texas back. ( Polk, 374). President Polk is interested in expanding the borders of the US by means of war with Mexico. There are three points made in Polk’s message to Congress to justify the US going to war with Mexico. The first was Mexico’s refusal to peacefully negotiate the Texas border dispute with a US envoy. (Polk, 375). The second was Mexico refusal to live up to its responsibilities it committed to in signing treaties between the two countries. (Polk, 377). Lastly, Mexico was attacking US citizens on US soil and in her own words we are now at war. (Polk, 377). …show more content…

On November 30th President Polk sent Mr. John Slidell as a special envoy to negotiate with Mexico the dispute over the Texas border. Mr. Slidell was given full power and authority to negotiate the terms of this proposed deal. The Mexican government refused to see Mr Slidell, “This minister in his reply under date of 12th of March, reiterated the arguments of his predecessor, and in terms that may be considered as giving just grounds of offense to the Government and people of the United States denied the application of Mr. Slidell…”(Polk, 376). Prior to congressional approval President Polk ordered troops to move into position just in case Mexico decided to invade. They were told to abstain from all aggressive acts as not to provoke war. (Polk, 376) President Polk is making the argument that there is no other choice but to prepare to go to war with Mexico because they refuse to negotiate and that they have done everything possible to avoid war. (Polk,

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