Texas as a Mexican State
Mexico gained independence from the Spanish Empire at the end of its War of Independence in 1821. Weakened and virtually bankrupted by the war, the new government found it difficult to govern its northern territories, which were thousands of miles from Mexico City, the capital. Regardless of these difficulties, Mexico opened Texas for a few hundred families to settle. Because of the pathetic border control the settlers kept pouring in even after the alotted ammount was filled. After a time the majority population of Texas was english speaking.
By the time President Polk came to office in 1845 the idea of manifest destiny was in full swing. Polk was a strong believer. The american idea of manifest destiny was that it was their god-given right to control and civilize North America. In order to acheive this they needed the territories owend by Mexico located in present day Texas, New Mexico, and California. On November 10, 1845 Polk gave orders for John Slidel to go to Mexico and make an offer of 25 to 30 million dollars for the Rio Grande border. Mexico refused the offer. After this and another incident know as the Thornton Afair, Preident Polk talked to congress about a declaration of war. On may 13, 1846, two days after Polk adressed congress, war was declated on Mexico.
Mexico gained independence from the Spanish Empire at the end of its War of Independence in 1821. Weakened and virtually bankrupted by the war, the new government found it difficult to govern its northern territories, which were thousands of miles from Mexico City, the capital. Regardless of these difficulties, Mexico opened Texas for a few hundred families to settle. Because of the pathetic border control the settlers kept pouring in even after the alotted ammount was filled. After a time the majority population of Texas was english speaking.
By the time President Polk came to office in 1845 the idea of manifest destiny was in full swing. Polk was a strong believer. The american idea of manifest destiny was that it was their god-given right to control and civilize North America. In order to acheive this they needed the territories owend by Mexico located in present day Texas, New Mexico, and California. On November 10, 1845 Polk gave orders for John Slidel to go to Mexico and make an offer of 25 to 30 million dollars for the Rio Grande border. Mexico refused the offer. After this and another incident know as the Thornton Afair, Preident Polk talked to congress about a declaration of war. On may 13, 1846, two days after Polk adressed congress, war was declated on Mexico.
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