LAD #12: Polk's War Message

In order to inform people that the actions of the Mexican government had initiated a war with Mexico, President Polk addressed Congress. This conflict came up when President Polk dispatched an American envoy to Mexico to resolve disputes that had existed between them for some time. One of the most important was the mistreatment of settlers on the border. Unfortunately, General Herrera was thrown out just as the envoy reached Vera Cruz. The government refused to recognize the envoy's duties and threw them out of the country. The Mexican government also did more than that. Things such as engaging in hostilities with local troops over border issues and the annexation of Texas which Mexico viewed as their territory. Even though, Texas had established independence before being annexed in 1836. The issues brought up to the Americans gave Polk the justification he needed to go to war with Mexico resulting in the Mexican-American War.