Causes Of The Mexican-American War

Mexican-American war lasted from 1846-1848. It consisted of numerous battles that resulted in more American victories than Mexican victories. During the first battle at Palo Alto, Mexican troops outnumbered American troops; however, the Mexican troops were poorly equipped and poorly led. Contrastly, the American army was well-trained and President Polk had formulated a three-pronged approach to defeat the Mexicans. Multiple factors played into the war, such as manifest destiny, Mexican attacks and stubbornness, and feelings of superiority, that caused the United States to declare war. Although the war gave the United States new land and fulfilled the need to expand, it resulted in intensifying the discussion of slavery because America now had to decide whether the new land would be freed or enslaved.
Because of size and current wealth of the United States, they felt empowered to take from Mexico. Manifest destiny did influence America to act with force to get land, but an accumulation of actions made by Mexico pushed America even further. It did not help that Mexico had debts owned; it further encouraged people to fight for what they wanted, rather it be for money or land. President Polk made substantial efforts to obtain the disputed territory, the border of Texas, and Texas itself from Mexico. Polk wanted to send troops to defend the border of Texas, unfortunately both Texas and Mexico had different ideas of where the border lied. The president offered the cancellation of the Mexican debt in exchange for the recognition of Texas’ independence and acceptance of the Rio Grande boundary. Still, Mexico did not budge. Polk still ordered General Zachary Taylor to proceed to the Rio Grande, but as they reached Matamoros, Mexicans crossed the river and attacked the Americans. Polk swiftly asked Congress to declare