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

The Mexican- American War was fought from 1846-1848 under the direction of then President James Polk. Politicians, at the time, were on both sides on whether this war was just or not. Many believed that Polk's decision for war was just in that Mexico was claiming land that was rightfully America's north of the Rio Grande. Other's believed that Polk provoked the war to be able to expand slavery into the new territories gained from winning the war. All in all, both sides had a point to argue. To say that Polk's underlying factor for war with Mexico was to expand slavery does sound appealing but would be completely ridiculous considering he promised to run for only one term. The task of expanding slavery to almost doubling it's size would be a task that would take more than the allotted four years. It's more of a conspiracy then true fact. I believe that Polk was doing what he thought was best for the nation; protecting the border that was set in place. As President, he has the responsibility to take care of the well being of the nation and protect it's borders from disturbance. An subliminal factor in going to war with Mexico was to gain California, which he stated in his four point plan in his inaugural address. Polk was a firm believer in //Manifest Destiny//, which stated that God had given America the right to stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. To fulfill //Manifest Destiny,// he would need California. California would also open up trade opportunities with Asia. Asia was an expanding economy and the U.S. could really use the economic boost. With expanding trade with Asia, the U.S. would need a port at a favorable position. To say that trading with China using Atlantic ports is preposterous so the most likely place would be California. Right on the coast, and a place of economic development, California would be a great suitor for the distinction of port to Asia. Polk's reason's for going to war with Mexico were just. Saying that Polk was in it just for the sheer fact of expanding slavery is truly ludicrous. Polk's factors for going to war tended to be in agreement with the rest of the American public; to protect the borders of the nation and fulfill America's //Manifest Destiny// to shine "From sea to shining sea."