In Polk's War Message of 1846, the President Polk justified war with Mexico by explaining, chronologically, relations that had existed between the two countries. This explanation began with the unfortuante circumstances surrounding the American diplomat to Mexico, John Slidell. After asking Mexico if an American ambassador would be accepted to resolve territorial disputes and tensions between the two countries and recieving an affirmative answer, General Herrara refused to meet with him. When Herrara's government was overtaken by a military coup led by General Paredes, the United States offered their diplomat again. Slidell was again rejected, disrespected, and returned home unsuccessful.
After the annexation of Texas, military support was sent to the new state to protect it from Mexican aggression. In response, Mexican General Ampudia demanded that the United States disband its military establishments. When an American search party was sent to patrol the border and determine if Mexico was arming its borders in preparation for an attack, the group was ambushed. Several men were killed. Mexico then declared war on the United States.
The combination of these two factors justified war with Mexico in Polk's eyes and he urged the American people to rally around the cause.
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