USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The U.S. sent troops to the disputed Rio Grande, ignoring Mexican demands to withdraw. Mexico subsequently attacked a group of 80 soldiers on April 25, 1846, a move which Polk used to convince the Congress of the United States to declare war.

Detailed explanation-2: -Polk wanted to lay claim to California, New Mexico, and land near the disputed southern border of Texas.

Detailed explanation-3: -In late April 1846, Mexican troops crossed the Rio Grande and killed eleven U.S. soldiers. In response, Polk requested a declaration of war from Congress, arguing that Mexicans had “shed the blood of our fellow-citizens on our own soil.” By May 13, 1846, both nations officially were at war.

Detailed explanation-4: -President Polk declared war on Mexico-or rather the US Congress did-because he wanted to gain lands from Mexico. Exactly which lands became clearer only as the war progressed. The specific dispute which sparked war in May 1846 was the 100-150 mile strip between two rivers, the Nueces and the Rio Grande.

Detailed explanation-5: -To try to solve this, Polk sent Zachary Taylor as war bait to march into the disputed borderlands. Mexican soldiers attached the American troops and this helped Polk convince Congress to declare war against Mexico.