USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Polk grew frustrated. Determined to acquire the land, he sent American troops to Texas in January of 1846 to provoke the Mexicans into war.

Detailed explanation-2: -In July 1845, Polk sent Brevet Brigadier General Zachary Taylor and a 4, 000 man army to the Nueces River, to defend against a threatened Mexican attack on Texas and as a show of force to influence negotiations. When this move failed to produce Mexican concessions, Polk ordered the army onward to the Rio Grande.

Detailed explanation-3: -President James K. Polk had accused Mexican troops of having attacked Americans on U.S. soil, north of the Rio Grande. But Mexico claimed this land as its own territory and accused the American military of having invaded.

Detailed explanation-4: -Upon learning of Slidell’s rejection, Polk sent word that Taylor should advance his troops to the Rio Grande River. From the standpoint of Mexico, the United States had invaded their territory. Polk hoped to defend the disputed area with armed force.