LAD #12: Polk's War Address

Throughout Polk's War Address, the causes surrounding America's engagement in war with Mexico is explored. Originally, Polk sought to identify a diplomatic solution to the issues surrounding border disputes as well as the many falicies of the Mexican government against American settlers throughout the southern regions of the country and Texas. He ultimately sent an envoy of peaceful negotiators to devise peaceful solutions with the head of the Mexican government, General Herrera. However, a revolution in Mexico precipitated from a shift in power and the thoughts of Mexican government in terms of diplomatic relations with the United States. In this, the Mexican government chose to not accept nor delegate with John Slidell, the American envoy, and no proposals were made between the two nations. Too, Mexico began to engage in hostile attacks with American troops that were sanctioned between the Rio del Norte river and the Nueces in Texas, a region that had become an official piece of the Union following annexation in 1836. Uncertainties between the two military groups grew and resulted in the casualties of 16 U.S. troops, along with Mexican hostility increases, permitting Polk to justify War against Mexico given their history of civilian violence in the past.