READ: War with Mexico

The War with Mexico


One of the controversial aspects of Manifest Destiny is that in America's quest to expand there were native people's displaced and land that was controlled by Mexico was taken by war. President James Polk took office in 1845 and pursued an aggressive policy of expansion. He added more territory to the United States than any other president. The Republic of Texas, which had won its independence from Mexico in 1836, was annexed as a state. Much of the Oregon Territory was gained even though it was claimed by Britain. Polk offered to buy California from Mexico, but they refused.

In 1846, war would break out between the U.S. and Mexico over the disputed location of the Texas border. When this war ended with the Treaty of Guadeloupe-Hidalgo in 1848, the United States gained about 50% of Mexico's territory. Read and view the information in the link below. Think about you think is at fault?  Did the US have a right to attack Mexico?

CLICK HERE to read about the Mexican American War

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