President of the United States/James Polk
| 9th President | 10th President | 11th President | 12th President | 13th President |
1841 |
1841 - 1845 |
James Polk 1845 - 1849 |
1849 - 1850 |
1850 - 1853 |
James K. Polk was the 11th President of the US from 1845-1849. As a southerner born in Tennessee, he was pro-slavery. He was described as a "workaholic" and a "dark-horse" candidate (less-known candidate before elections). His presidential campaign entailed a number of promises: cheaper tariffs, restore independent treasury, get California and Oregon. In the end, he stuck to his word and completed all of his campaign promises.
So previously, John Tyler signed a joint resolution 3 days before he was to leave office on Dec. 30, 1845, allowing the country of Texas to be annexed. James Polk finishes what Tyler "started" and officially annexes Texas and Congress ratifies the treaty allowing Texas to come into the Union - as a slave state. Polk sends US envoy John Slidel to Mexico, where he negotiaties an agreement of purchasing New Mexico & California for $25 million.
In short, Mexico says no and breaks off diplomatic relations with the US in 1846. Polk, in his funny ways, commands Zachary Taylor (the next president) and his troops to walk "accidentally" into Mexican territory in order to spew off a war. This works to Polk's advantage and asks Congress to declare war on Mexico on May 9, 1846. Polk's reasons to go to war, in summary, was to teach Mexico a lesson, go through a quick war, and the desire to reach California. Mexico wants to teach America a lesson and get revenge for their "alleged" support for Texas.
A fellow named John Fremont leads the California's Bear Flag Revolt in 1846. Here, Fremont, with the assistance of the US navy, captures Los Angeles and San Francisco vs. the Mexicans. The war ends in 1848 with the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo declaring America the winner. Mexico is awarded $15 million in damages by the US. The land that the US acquires goes from a part of Wyoming down to Texas.
It's interesting because not only does Mexico view the US as a "bully", but US military officers who once worked together will know how their counterparts, or soon to be opponents, fight in the civil war. Fascinating, isn't it?
Let's see how this plays out.