LAD #10 Polk

The reason for Polk’s address to Congress was that he was pointing out the offenses of the Mexican Government against the citizens of the United States. Polk had attempted to have diplomatic relations with the Mexicans and eventually wanted to establish peace with them, but this failed. Conflict between the Mexicans was avoided at all costs. The Mexican Government would not recognize our attempts for peace and they continued to invade territories and kill Americans on their own soil. The Mexican minister finally agreed to settle the disputes between Mexico and the United States in 1945. The only thing was that the military had to removed the naval force from Vera Cruz, but this was a small price to pay for peace, and was removed immediately. One of the issues needed to be address by leader of the envoy, John Slidell was the boundary of Texas. When this was brought up the Mexican’s wanted nothing to do with this issue and made it clear they wanted no negotiations with the United States. Mexico refused to authorize any of these requests to Slidell. Within the next few days the Mexican Government was handed over to General Paredes who Slidell was now working through. Although he was rejected once again, Slidell’s attempts to reason with the Mexicans were unsuccessful. Because no peaceful decisions had come about, Polk ordered troops to set up between the Nueces and Rio del Norte in order to protect Americans from Mexico hostility. Shortly after, Texas annexed herself into the Union, since Texas was now part of the Union; the Rio del Norte was the southern boundary. Americans still wanted to have a peaceful relationship with the Mexican’s and were trying everything possible to acquire this, even war. Polk asks Congress to recognize that war is inevitable if they ever want the Mexican’s to listen, therefore war was declared on Mexico soon there after. Polk shared openly that as soon as the Mexicans were ready to negotiate with him, he was ready.