The Mexican American war started in 1846, ten years after Texas won its independence from Mexico. In 1844 Texas was annexed, upon their request, to the United States. This caused trouble with the Mexican government because they believed that the southern border of Texas was along the Del Norte river, while the American government believed that the border was the Rio Grande river. When U.S. President James Polk sent troops into this disputed territory, Mexico attacked, killing sixteen American soldiers, and starting the Mexican-American war. The United States was justified in going to war with Mexico because, Texas was independent from Mexico, Mexico engaged in violence first, and Mexico was not governing Texas well.
After a short, but bloody war, Texas declared itself independent from Mexico in 1836. Nevertheless, after Texas won their well deserved independence, Mexico still considered Texas a part of their country (BG essay). So when the Mexican government found out that Texas had been annexed into America they were not happy. Even after America tried to openly speak about Mexico’s harsh feelings by saying “It is time for opposition to the Annexation of Texas to cease…. Texas is now ours…. …show more content…
“It was plainly our duty to extend our protection over her citizens and soil,” said President Polk (doc B). When troops arrived at the Rio Del Norte, Mexican troops attacked the Americans, killing and wounding sixteen soldiers. (Hook) This was the deciding factor of America going to war with Mexico. “When word arrived on May 9, 1846, that Mexicans soldiers had fired upon Americans on the “Texas side” of the Rio Grande, president Polk had a reason for going to war.” (BG essay) You see, if Mexico hadn’t engaged in violence first there would be no immediate reason for the U.S. to go to war with