LAD/Blog #13: Polk's War Message

The war message begins by stating that conflicts between the US and Mexico need to be addressed sooner or later. John Slidell was sent to Mexican territories, to discuss the killing of United States citizen on American land near the Texas boundary. The Mexican government did not like this, and did not listen. Before Slidell met with Mexican officials, the government was overthrown in the Mexican conflict. The leader of this movement was unwilling to negotiate with Slidell. To avoid invasion, Polk ordered US troops near the southern border at Texas/Mexico. The Mexicans attacked the American military, leaving with some US casualties. Mexico did not want peace with America, so war was the only option. Thus, the US had to go to war with Mexico to regain Texas, defending their territory.

This reminds me of the XYZ affair, as in both cases, America failed at effective diplomacy and was forced to go to war.