LAD # 13: Polk's War Message

Mexico-Texas Boundary 1845-1848

Polk’s war message of 1846 is about the possibility of a war between Mexico and the United States because of their recent disagreements. Mexico has been the main aggressor in this problem. Former peacekeeping advances have failed dismally. The Texas boundary is a main cause of concern in American and Mexican relations. The attempts to create a democratic compromise by Mr. Slidell and General Ferrera were an attempt at keeping the peace between the United States and Mexico, but this attempt as well as others largely failed.

The government of Mexico has been fairly uncooperative in such matters since then, and there are still definitive problems with the border of Texas. Polk has already ordered an army to stand between the officially declared United States territory and Texas, which is yet undeclared, for protection. The United States and Mexico recognize different borders in that area, and Polk is confident that the United States, with superior military and resources, can win this war and get Texas for themselves.

In their invasion of Mexico, the American troops were ordered to stay away from being aggressive toward Mexicans or Mexican property so that their relations could still be described as peaceful. Despite Mexican hostilities, the American army led by one General Taylor was able to keep his distance, causing political harm to befall only Mexico. 16 American soldiers were killed or wounded in a Mexican attack.

This attack is only one small spot in years of shaky relations with Mexico, during which numerous wrongs have befallen the United States from them. Polk suggests that a war with Mexico is a long time in coming. Commerce with Mexico and any peaceful relations that have existed are already greatly suffering. The nation of Texas will be a mere casualty in this attempt to right the wrongs between the two major countries.

Mexico has acted aggressively toward the United States despite attempts to negotiate peace, which leaves the United States no option but war.