What+caused+the+Mexican+War?+Did+Polk+provoke+the+Texas-Boundry+conflict+in+order+to+gain+California,+or+expand+slavery?ES

The Mexican-American war was provoked by President Polk and his goal to gain California during his presidency. President Polk laid out a 4-point plan for himself and the nation when he became president. The plan included lowering the tariff, restoring the independent treasury, clearing up the Oregon border issue, and most importantly gaining California. The Democrats during this time believed in Manifest Destiny, an idea that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent and gain as much land as possible. President Polk was a democrat who strongly believed in Manifest Destiny. To achieve Manifest Destiny, President Polk needed to gain California. California was essential to the United States for several reasons. Many Americans were already living in California because of the gold rush in 1849. Also California would provide an easier trade route with China and other western countries. A port in San Fransisco would make this trade possible.

President Polk attempted to buy California from Mexico. He sent John Slidell to Mexico City and instructed him to buy California for $25 million. When John Slidell arrived in Mexico City, the Mexican Government refused to see him. This frustrated Polk. He then ordered 4,000 men under Zachary Taylor to march from the Nueces River to the Rio Grande. Mexico believed that the Nueces River was the border between Mexico and the United States, while the Americans believed the Rio Grande was the border. When Zachary Taylor crossed the Nueces River, Mexico believed they were crossing onto Mexican land and thus attacked. Americans were outraged because they believed Mexicans had attacked and killed 16 U.S. soldiers on U.S. land. This misunderstanding pushed Polk to declare war on Mexico. The Mexican War was an effort by President Polk to gain California. The Mexican-American war was provoked by President Polk and his goal to gain California during his presidency.