The war with Mexico had fundamentally broken out because of America’s rapid

expansion and confidence due to their great size and wealth. Also, because Mexico had

owed money to America, many people thought that they could obtain the money

forcefully. Furthermore, Mexico had never fully recognized Texas’ independance and to

maintane their pride, broke off diplomatic relations when the US annexed the republic.

President Polk ordered General Zachary Taylor into Texas to defend the border which at

the time was in dispute. In July, 1845, Taylor reached the Nuccess River with about

1500 toops and crossed into the disputed area. He did not go all the way to the Rio

Grande to avoid provoking the Mexicans and instead stopped at Corpus Christi. In

November, Polk sent a delegate (John Slidell) to try and make negotiations about the

disputed land. Slidell was given the right to cancel the Mexican debt in return for

recognition of the annexation of Texas and approval of the Rio Grande border that

America had wanted. He was also authorized to offer 30 million dollars to Mexico for

all or part of New Mexico and California. The Mexican government refused the offers

and their claim to Texas was reinstated. By late March, 1846, Taylor’s army had grown

to about 4000and had taken positions in the Mexican town of Matamoros. The Mexicans

crossed the river in April and attacked an American mounted patrol. They were driven

back easily, but Polk asked congress to declare war anyway. Congress accepted and

without declaring war, voted to raise and supply an additional 50000 troops. Even in the

first battle, the result was obvious. Within a week, the Mexicans had been driven across

the Rio Grande and General Taylor had his troops firmly established on the southern

bank. The Mexican War was fought between the United States and Mexico from May

1846 to February 1848. It was significant because it led to the Mexican Cession of 1848.

This was the ceding of New Mexico and Alta California to the United States by Mexico

as a result of the U.S. victory in the Mexican War.

Word Count: 353