LAD/Blog #13: Polk's War Message

LAD/Blog #13: Polk's War Message

Polk begins his war message of 1846 describing the envoy sent to Mexico to solve issues such as the boundary and “indemnification” diplomatically. He says that after receiving confirmation from the Mexican government, he commissioned John Slidell to be the minister on this mission, arriving in Vera Cruz on November 30, 1845. He announces that the previous Mexican government, under General Herrera, was overthrown and replaced by military leader General Paredes. He declares that the Mexican government, under Paredes, refused to accepted Slidell for negotiations. Their government turned away an already confirmed envoy, and refused to participate in any sort of negotiations to fix the problems. He says that following this, Texas was annexed into the US, and needed protection on the shared border with Mexico (as they had threatened an invasion). Troops in the Del Norte area were instructed to remain peaceful unless provoked by Mexico. He announces that, on April 24, hostilities officially began, and violence broke out. 16 Americans were killed, and more were forced to surrender. Polk then says that trade with Mexico is almost completely nonexistent, because merchants have been abused by the Mexican government. Finally, he declares that he had tried to avoid violence and diplomatically resolve issues, but if the honor, rights, and interests of the US are what are at stake, then war it is.


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James K Polk


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The US entering WWI (synthesis)
The US entering WWI is very similar to Polk's War Message. America tried to stay neutral for as long as they could (similar to Polk trying to be diplomatic with the Mexican government), until the US's honor was at stake- it was time to go to war.







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