USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The emissary he sent to Mexico with an offer of cash in exchange for disputed lands was rudely rebuffed. Then, Mexicans opened fire on Americans at the Rio Grande River, killing 16. “War exists, ” Polk declared.

Detailed explanation-2: -On May 12, 1846, the United States Senate voted 40 to 2 to go to war with Mexico. President James K. Polk had accused Mexican troops of having attacked Americans on U.S. soil, north of the Rio Grande.

Detailed explanation-3: -Polk revised his war message, then sent it to Congress on May 11 asserting, “Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, has invaded our territory and shed American blood upon America’s soil.” On May 13, Congress declared war, with a vote of 40-2 in the Senate and 174-14 in the House.

Detailed explanation-4: -The immediate cause of the Mexican-American War was a disputed boundary between the United States and Texas on the Nueces Strip. Mexico did not recognize Texas as legitimate American territory and Texas admission to the United States antagonized Mexican officials and citizens.

Detailed explanation-5: -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.