Saturday, November 10, 2007

In going to war against Mexico, President Polk was taking into account the best intersts of the United States.

The United States was clear in its desire to dominate the Western Hemisphere when it issued the Monroe Doctrine. Arrogantly, it suggested that European nations stay out of the Western Hemisphere. This can be viewed as an extension of Manifest Destiny. If the United States planned to dominate the Western Hemisphere, then European nations had to be out of the picture. Manifest Destiny did not end there. I was President Polk's goal upon being elected in March 1845. The acquisition of new territory was in the best interests of the United States, even if if meant going to war with Mexico. Polk's territorial ambitions are show in the addition of Texas to the union, the settling of the Oregon border, and the acquisition of California.

Texas remained an independent republic for over a decade after the Battle of San Jacinto. However, soon after being inaugurated, president Polk got to work on his list of objectives. He had to deal with antislavery objectives as well as with other opposition. Nonetheless, Texas was admitted to the United States on December 29, 1845.

Another one of Polk's bold moves involved the Oregon border. Although the Canadian-American Main boundary had been established, Americans were soon quarreling with Britain over the Oregon territory's northern border. Americans offered the 49th parallel as the dividing line, but British rejected this offer. However, Britain wanted to steer clear of another was with the United States. Therefore, in the Oregon Treaty, both nations peacefully agreed to set the 49th parallel as Oregon's border.

Polk go his way with the Oregon Treaty's border. However, he also knew that more territory meant greater power for the United States. With this idea, he opted to go to war with Mexico. After his unsuccessful attempt to purchase the California- New Mexico territory, the Sidell Mission, Polk sent troops to invade Mexican Territory. This soon escalated to war. Although the United States army was poorly trained, the United States won victory in 1848.

The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo highlights American gains in this war. In addition to the acquisition of California and New Mexico, the United States also received $3 million payed in debts. Immediately, America say reward with this money. In addition, the United States was sure to prosper with this immense territorial gain.

Although President Polk was still unsatisfied with the gains of the treaty. He was definitely considering American prosperity in all the actions that he took. American influence worldwide is still seen today.

2 comments:

Mr. Brush said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mr. Brush said...

C,

I liked your sassy writing and your reluctant approval that Polk's mission to acquire territory was in the best interest of the U.S. I didn't see anything about California though.

A/B

MB