USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Polk wanted to lay claim to California, New Mexico, and land near the disputed southern border of Texas. Mexico, however, was not so eager to let go of these territories. Polk started out by trying to buy the land. He sent an American diplomat, John Slidell, to Mexico City to offer $30 million for it.

Detailed explanation-2: -President Polk had a short list of “great measures” he intended to accomplish. Among them was the acquisition of Mexican California. Gold had not been discovered there yet, but Polk wanted California and its magnificent San Francisco Bay as the American gateway to trade with China and other Asian nations.

Detailed explanation-3: -The United States wanted the Mexican Cession for the land. It was the largest land transfer since the Louisiana Purchase, which Americans had already largely occupied. In particular, the control of California was especially appealing and guaranteed American access to the Pacific Ocean.

Detailed explanation-4: -While Polk desired California and New Mexico, he did not want the United States to annex all of Mexico, which the more radical expansionists supported. Polk gained the Oregon Territory through successful negotiations with the British and wanted to do the same with California and New Mexico.

Detailed explanation-5: -Polk also favored acquiring California. Even before he could take office, Congress passed a joint resolution offering annexation to Texas. In so doing they bequeathed Polk the possibility of war with Mexico, which soon severed diplomatic relations.