LAD #12: Polk's War Message

Summary:

• In this address, Polk names the causes of the United States waging a war against Mexico. Polk originally sought a diplomatic solution to the problems that had to do with border disputes. Additionally, the Mexican government was not just to the United States settlers who lived in the southern regions of the country. So, President Polk send an envoy to try and negotiate peaceful solutions with General Herrera, the head of the Mexican government. However, revolution in Mexico led the Mexican government to not accept or delegate with the American envoy, John Slidell. Mexico made no effort to promote peace and even engaged U.S. troops in hostilities. Polk saw these hostilities as a justification of war against Mexico, a nation that had been hostile towards the United States for a long time.