onged to them. America’s greed is THE major reason this conflict occurred. The U.S also believed the Mexico should have to pay for any of the U.S’s debts that were incurred during Mexico’s conflicts with Spain. America was in debt 3 million dollars because of the Mexico and Spanish conflicts and America very strongly believed that these debts were Mexico’s fault and they should have to pay for them. Mexico felt like it was Americas fault that they had to pay anything and they [Mexico] should not have to pay “ Mexico felt no obligation to pay and they felt as though America was attempting to use them as a source of income” (The Texas Military Experience, Website)These are all legitimate reasons for this war to occur but they did not have the effect of “Manifest Destiny”. During this time in American history America had the growing feeling of Manifest Destiny. This was the desire to expand westward. This westward movement brought many Americans into Mexican territory. At this time Mexico controlled California and most of the southern portions of the western territories. Mexico’s problem was that even though they possessed these territories they did not have a population and large enough Military force to control them. They were unable to dictate or populate the territories so America basically took them over without a fight. Mexico was very frustrated with this predicament they were in, too much territory not enough men to control it. Some Events Leading Up to the WarThe tension was mounting between the U.S and Mexico. Some people could see war in the future but U.S President James K. Polk was in charge of this situation. He decided to use avoid taking these territories by force and try to buy them from Mexico.President Polk sent John Slidell to buy New Mexico and California for 25 million dollars. In this deal the U.S would allow Mexico to keep the Rio Grande and the U.S would wit...
