Mexican War American Imperialism Analysis

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Module 7 Discussion Assignment

Yes
Walter Nugent believes the Mexican War was indeed an exercise of American imperialism. Citing philosopher-historian Isaiah Berlin’s terminology, Nugent refers to then U.S. president James K. Polk a “hedgehog” with one big idea; that idea was acquiring the territory west of Texas to the Pacific by virtually any means necessary (282-83)
After his election in 1845, Polk told his Navy Secretary, George Bancroft, that getting California was his administration’s top priority (284). His plan was to gain the territory from Mexico via trade and purchase. Mexico had incurred debt from U.S. citizens but did not have the money to pay it back. In exchange for the land, Mexico would be financially compensated on top of having its debt relieved (285). The diplomatic measures would not work as Mexican citizens were just as patriotic and nationalistic as their American counterparts; ceding territory wasn’t an option (290). This meant the prospects of war were certain.

No
Norman A. Graebner believes James Polk and the U.S. did not think they would start a war with Mexico. Instead, Graebner says the U.S. pursued an aggressive policy that they thought would bully Mexico into selling New Mexico and California and recognizing the annexation of Texas (278). …show more content…
Although the U.S. knew that Mexico wasn’t able to pay the debts levied against it, Polk was ready to declare war on that issue alone. On top of the claims issue, the Mexican government also warned that if Texas was annexed by the U.S. a war between the countries would be inevitable (297). The warnings from Mexico were met with American show of force as U.S. army troops were sent into Texas and the navy moved into the Gulf; Polk actually thought these actions would deter a Mexican attack
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