The Mexican-American war was a bloody battle between two large world powers over the annexation of Texas. Spain granted the territories of Texas, New Mexico and California from Spain. Because of the weak Mexican government, they were unable to govern their northern territories. Mexico allowed some Americans to move into these territories, and they spread American culture and beliefs. Over time, more Americans began settling in the Mexican territory of Texas with disregard for Mexican law and culture. Tensions between Mexico and the U.S. grew because of U.S. expansion and thirst for new land. Economic influences such as Manifest Destiny and desire for expansion caused conflict between the U.S. and Mexico and led to the Mexican American war.
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The annexation was a process that began several years before the war. In March 1836. Texas declared independence from the Republic of Mexico. (transition) With Texas being an independent nation, President John Tyler wished to annex Texas. Mexico was opposed to annexation, Tyler and Secretary of State John C. Calhoun secretly met with Texas about annexation, and presented a treaty to the Senate. Their justification for the treaty was based on slavery, stating that if the U.S. did not annex Texas, Britain would emancipate slavery in Texas. Emancipation of slavery would have a direct impact on the expansion of slavery, and in turn on the economy. Slavery was free labor and was the driving factor for Southern economics, which was largely based on slave-driven agriculture. The Senate rejected Tyler and Calhoun’s treaty, but shortly after, James K. Polk was inaugurated as President. Polk’s campaign platform included plans for the annexation of Texas. Polk supported Tyler’s plans to annex, and while he was still president, “...John Tyler signed the joint resolution of Congress to admit Texas as a slave state; the voters of Texas supported the action, and Texas became a slave state on 29 December 1845”(Texas 1). Republic of Texas was offcially considered a state in the U.S., and the possibilities for expansion were much …show more content…
This belief was widespread and was known as Manifest Destiny, the notion that Americans were destined to expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific. John O’Sullivan said, “The expansive future is our arena, and...We are entering on its untrodden space, with the truths of God in our minds, beneficent objects in our hearts, and with a clear conscience unsullied by the past”(1). The idea of Mainfest Destiny contributed to American migration to the west in search of economic gain. The annexation of Texas was a major advancement in U.S. expansion and Manifest Destiny. During this time, Americans were searching for land to farm or sell. Large tracts of land were available in Texas for settlement. This newly developed land would be beneficial for the American economy and for international trade of raw materials and goods. However, as more settlers migrated to Texas, the Texan and Mexican government were ignored. Furthermore, the new inhabitants disobeyed Mexican law, including slavery. These actions contributed to Mexican animosity towards Americans, and ultimately was motivation for
The annexation was a process that began several years before the war. In March 1836. Texas declared independence from the Republic of Mexico. (transition) With Texas being an independent nation, President John Tyler wished to annex Texas. Mexico was opposed to annexation, Tyler and Secretary of State John C. Calhoun secretly met with Texas about annexation, and presented a treaty to the Senate. Their justification for the treaty was based on slavery, stating that if the U.S. did not annex Texas, Britain would emancipate slavery in Texas. Emancipation of slavery would have a direct impact on the expansion of slavery, and in turn on the economy. Slavery was free labor and was the driving factor for Southern economics, which was largely based on slave-driven agriculture. The Senate rejected Tyler and Calhoun’s treaty, but shortly after, James K. Polk was inaugurated as President. Polk’s campaign platform included plans for the annexation of Texas. Polk supported Tyler’s plans to annex, and while he was still president, “...John Tyler signed the joint resolution of Congress to admit Texas as a slave state; the voters of Texas supported the action, and Texas became a slave state on 29 December 1845”(Texas 1). Republic of Texas was offcially considered a state in the U.S., and the possibilities for expansion were much …show more content…
This belief was widespread and was known as Manifest Destiny, the notion that Americans were destined to expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific. John O’Sullivan said, “The expansive future is our arena, and...We are entering on its untrodden space, with the truths of God in our minds, beneficent objects in our hearts, and with a clear conscience unsullied by the past”(1). The idea of Mainfest Destiny contributed to American migration to the west in search of economic gain. The annexation of Texas was a major advancement in U.S. expansion and Manifest Destiny. During this time, Americans were searching for land to farm or sell. Large tracts of land were available in Texas for settlement. This newly developed land would be beneficial for the American economy and for international trade of raw materials and goods. However, as more settlers migrated to Texas, the Texan and Mexican government were ignored. Furthermore, the new inhabitants disobeyed Mexican law, including slavery. These actions contributed to Mexican animosity towards Americans, and ultimately was motivation for