The outbreak of the Mexican-American War coincided with the height of popularity of Manifest Destiny. For the most part, the American public supported the war and the idea of Manifest Destiny. However, there were a sizable number of Americans who opposed this "war of aggression" and questioned the government's motives for launching an invasion of Mexico.
Before responding to this week's class participation assignment:
Please watch the History Channel video--The Mexican War (Links to an external site.)
For this week's participation assignment, please respond to the following questions:
Discuss the American rationale for going to war with Mexico in 1846. In your response, please examine the roles Manifest Destiny and the expansion of slavery may have played in President James Polk's decision to ask Congress for a declaration of war.
In your opinion, was the United States justified in taking military action against Mexico? Please use specific examples to defend your position.