LAD #12: Polk's War Message

President James K. Polk

Polk starts by saying that he was convinced that it would be okay to resume diplomatic relations with Mexico since the American government expressed a desire to establish peace with Mexico, and has treated Mexico fairly, to the point where it seemed that the two countries would have permanently friendly relations. So, diplomats were sent to Mexico with the goal of resolving their differences. Even though it was agreed upon that a meeting in Mexico would be held, and the communication between the two countries seemed to be friendly, the Mexican Government refused to listen to the diplomats, and have gone so far as to invade America and kill American citizens.

Polk then elaborates on the failed attempt at diplomacy, saying that the US minister for foreign affairs asked if the Mexican Government would be okay having a meeting with American diplomats to resolve their disputes. He received a positive response from the Mexican minister. So, Polk sent John Slidell to communicate with Mexico, discussing the Texas border among other things.

Polk said he believed that the Mexican Government did sincerely want to solve the problems, however they succumbed to the hatred from the revolutionary party. So, they refused to meet with Slidell. General Herrera soon after surrendered the government to General Paredes and resigned the presidency - the revolution had been accomplished by the army, and thusly the supreme power and the supreme power in Mexico was in the hands of a military leader.

Determined to make peace, Polk directed Slidell to ask to meet with General Paredes, and he was declined, so Slidell came back to America. Polk then says Mexico showed no dignity in rejecting Slidell after they agreed to meet with him, and it is nothing the American Government did that provoked Mexico to not speak with Slidell.

Polk ordered a military force to go to Texas and meet an invasion by Mexican forces, an invasion motivated by Texas wanting to annex itself to America. As a territory that's about to be part of America, it is the duty of America to protect her people and her land. The military remained until Polk was told by Mexico that the Mexican Government would refuse to meet the army.

However, the Mexican forces became threatening, and American troops were sent to the Rio del Norte in case the Mexican troops crossed or were preparing to cross the river. The Americans were surrounded and were forced to surrender.

Polk said that business with Mexico, once mutually beneficial, has been permanently damaged. America's restraint in going to war was ineffective, and had America militarily handled the mistreatment from the Mexicans, it would have escaped the current situation. Instead, America is dealing with Mexico, who wants a war to reclaim Texas. America has tried everything and cannot reconcile with the Mexicans, and now Mexico has invaded America and attacked American citizens - the two nations are now at war.

Polk finishes by saying that the war was caused solely by Mexico, but America's participation is necessary since it confirms its honor and allows America to pursue its interests.



President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Polk's War Message is similar to President Roosevelt's declaration of war on Germany during World War II. In both instances, the president believes war has been provoked by the other nation, and war is required to stop the mistreatment.