LAD #12 Polk’s War Message

James Polk’s speech was given in 1846 about the relationship between Mexico and The United States. He told the people that he had sent an envoy to Mexico, but they refused to listen to his proposals. John Slidell was sent to discuss the problems, most of them stemming from the Texas border issue. After this, a military revolution was enacted in Mexico and the President gave his power to a military dictator. He also talked about how America should and wanted to protect their territorial rights and not engage in war with Mexico to support a peaceful relationship. He then goes on to say that Mexico has begun to invade and informs the people that Mexico has broken their agreement to receive an envoy and an offer of peace. As a result, the tensions began to grow, creating a war because they had entered U.S. territory and posed as a threat to the nation and its people.

Pictures: I chose a picture of James Polk and a picture of the XYZ Affair because this affair was where American diplomats were sent to France to try to create peace. Both of these events are very similar in that envoys were both sent to foreign countries as an attempt to create peace and solve problems, but were both turned away, both resulting in growing tensions and war.