LAD/Blog #13: Polk's War Message

Polk begins by telling how good relations with Mexico have failed as a result of an unwillingness of the Mexican government. He then explains that he asked the Mexican government under General Herrera if they would receive an envoy. He agreed and Polk sent John Slidell, who had the power to discuss the adjustment of borders. Soon after Slidell had arrived the government again changed hands. General Parades then rejected Slidell and he was forced to return to the U.S. without a resolution. Polk then goes on to defend sending troops down to Texas. Texas annexed into the U.S., which the U.S. accepted and therefor had to protect them. After many disagreements and debates about U.S. troops in Texas, Mexico showed hostility by killing or wounding 16 Americans. Polk uses this and other failed treaties to show how Mexico has wronged the U.S. Finally Polk says that Mexico has already declared war on the U.S. and that it is the duty of the government to act, by protecting it's country.


The increased tension over slavery that resulted from the Mexican American War would again show rising racial tension during the Civil War.

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