Mexican American War DBQ

One can argue that the Mexican-American was an unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression and territorial aggrandizement. It could also be argued that the war was not unprovoked nor was it territorial aggrandizement. Realistically the war provoked, justifiable, and not territorial aggrandizement. This notion is exemplified through the document provided. A huge contributor to this war was the Lone Star Republic of Texas. Mexico refused to recognize the annexation of Texas. Mexico even stated that if the United States were to admit Texas to the Union it would be considered an act of war. The fact that Mexico refused to recognize the annexation of Texas, and threatened to go to war over it shows one of the justifications that the war was neither unjustified nor unprovoked. The United States never tried to provoke the war actually quite the opposite. President Polk was negotiating for peace. Polk even stated in his letter to Senator William H. Haywood (August 1845) that all military and naval movement against Mexico be strictly defensive. Polk did not want to be the aggressor. He also made it clear that if the Mexican Army were to invade Texas (which was now part of U.S.) that the U.S. army would come to her aid, and if possible drive the Mexican army back to its territory. This is another fine example of how this war was provoked. Even though Mexico had declared war upon The U.S. we refused to take the offensive, and only acted in self-defense. While at war with Mexico President Polk was still trying to make peace. President Polk with the consultation of his cabinet sent John Slidell to Mexico. Slidell was sent to with an important mission, and that was to “adjust a permanent boundary Mexico and the United States”. For this boundary adjustment to be made Slidell would have to purchase a portion of Upper California and New Mexico. This was thought to be a better boundary then from the Rio Grande’s mouth to the Passo. Polk was ready to pay forty million