HIS404H1 Lecture 3: 3. Mexican-American War
Document Summary
Although there are similarities border issues with canada, look to the future as justi cations for the war, economic factors as justi cation for the war, issues with the. Native americans, arrogant expansion, as some examples there are also differences. British; expansion of slavery issue is infused; sectionalism as opposed to partisanship; racial factors; manifest destiny; stronger military, etc. Polk was clearly in uential in the story in terms of making things happen. He can be devious and clever and effective. There are some assessments that argue that polk was one of the most effective presidents in american history. Economic: trade (viz. route to paci c in california), expansion and continuity of slavery, National security: concern with securing the borders, ending mexican aggression. Social: slavery, missionary aspects to regenerate mexico (later on, as justi cations change given the non-static nature of the decision to go to war),
