President James K. Polk's war message to Congress in 1846, which sought approval for military action against Mexico, was met with significant support, leading to the declaration of war. Many Democrats backed Polk's stance, viewing the war as a means to expand U.S. territory and fulfill Manifest Destiny. However, there was notable opposition from some Whigs, including Congressman Abraham Lincoln, who questioned the justification for war and called for clarity on the reasons for conflict. Ultimately, Congress passed the war resolution, reflecting the dominant sentiment of expansionism at the time.
Polk asked Congress to declare war on Mexico and was President during its duration.
Polk asked Congress to declare war on Mexico and was President during its duration.
The US Congress.
The Mexican War took place while Polk was President. Polk asked Congress for a declaration of war with Mexico so you might say he started it. Polk also ended the war.
Congress responded to the poll's war message with a mix of support and skepticism, reflecting the divided public opinion on the war. Some members voiced strong backing for military action, emphasizing national security and defense of allies, while others raised concerns about the costs and potential consequences of conflict. Ultimately, Congress passed resolutions to authorize military engagement, but debates over the implications and strategy continued. This response highlighted the complexities of balancing public sentiment with legislative action regarding war.
It is debatable who started the war, but shots were fired and men died. James Knox Polk asked Congress for a Declaration of War.
James K. Polk has written: 'Polk, the diary of a president' -- subject(s): Politics and government, Sources, Mexican War, 1846-1848, Biography, Presidents 'The diary of James K. Polk during his presidency, 1845 to 1849, now first printed from the original manuscript in the collections of the Chicago historical society' -- subject(s): Politics and government, Sources, Mexican War, 1846-1848 'Speech of the Hon. James K. Polk, of Tennessee' -- subject(s): Bank of the United States (1816-1836), Speeches in Congress 'Message of the President of the United States' 'Message from the president of the United States, in answer to a resolution of the Senate of the 29th January, relative to correspondence on the subject of Oregon' 'Message from the President of the United States'
Five months after Texas was granted statehood, a Mexican attack on US troops (and a US fort) allowed Polk to go to war with Mexico. Congress declared war on May 13, 1846.
On May 11, 1846, President Polk requested from Congress and received a declaration of war against México after Mexican troops reportedly crossed the border into the U.S. and killed eleven U.S. soldiers.
Well if you are asking about the war with mexico that took place during 1846-1848 it would be president james k. polk.
Polk justified his war message saying that Mexico had attacked American troops and invaded the United States and that the Mexican government had not been cooperative in negotiations over the Texas boundary issue.
Polk sent an envoy to offer Mexico up to $20,000,000, in return for CA and NM. The offer was rejected. Polk sent Gen. Taylor to the disputed area and the Mexican troops this was aggression, and they attacked Taylor's forces. US in turn declared war.