LAD #12: Polk

Polk's War Message

•  The beginning of Polk's message says that the relationship between U.S and Mexico has come to a point where it needs to be brought to the attention of Congress
• John Slidell of Louisiana was sent to Mexico to discuss the Texas boundary and the killing of the U.S citizens on American land
• The Mexican government refused to see or listen to his ideas
• Originally, Slidell was supposed to be received by authorities in Mexico under government of General Herrera, who would have gladly negotiated with Slidell
• Herrera's government was overthrown, and the revolutionary party that overthrew Herrera was not willing to denounced diplomacy with the U.S.
• Under direction from Polk, Slidell after failing to negotiate at all, came home
• put military forces between the Neuces and Norte Rivers
• protect U.S citizens from an invasion of Texas by Mexico
• General Arista, who had taken control of the Mexican Army said they thought the U.S was being hostile, and attacked the U.S troops, resulting in 16 American casualties
• Polk said that Mexico had 'wronged U.S citizens' and did not want peace
• Polk said that if the U.S had been more aggressive while dealing with Mexico earlier, then they could have escaped the later conflicts
• Polk said that the U.S. needed to declare war
• Reasons:     Mexico...
• declared war to regain Texas
• killed U.S Citizens
• violated American rights