The Mexican-American War Walter Nugent views President Polk as a narrow-minded bigot who has one big goal, which is the acquisition of California and whatever areas of the Southwest he could through negotiation or force (war). As the Mexican government permeated with unstable governments and inept generals refused to negotiate, President Polk manipulated the Mexican Government to attack American soldiers in a disputed area between the Rio Grande and Nueces River. Nugent argues that like President Andrew Jackson, Polk is hedgehog rather than a fox, meaning that he has one big goal in mind rather than many ideas. As stated, his primary objective was to acquire for the United States the territory west of Texas, but mainly the harbor of…show more content… But that wasn’t the case, Mexico was an anarchic country since Texas broke away. They had no effective tax collecting system and multitudinous generals with high ambitions. With that being said, Mexico was badly positioned to defend itself. Given the circumstances, Polk held the advantage. Acquiring California was Polk’s most important goal, which at first was not mentioned. He made it abundantly clear in his inaugural speech that he wanted Oregon and Texas. He preferred purchase since Mexico was indigent, but would go to war if absolutely…show more content… Polk developed Mexico’s policies and the assumption that Mexico was weaker. Polk’s policies were direct, timely, and successful, which would enable him to easily acquire Mexican territories that would satisfy long range United State’s interests. There were rumors that Mexico was going to invade Texas, so Polk prompted Polk to advance Taylor’s forces down to the Texas coast. Taylor was instructed to extend his protection to the Rio Grande and to avoid any areas north of the river occupied by Mexican troops. Fearful of Mexican attack, it was urged that Taylor strengthens his forces and order them to take offensive should Mexico soldiers attack. Polk insisted that a show of force would prevent rather than provoke war. Forces on the border of Mexico and the Gulf Coast would prevent Mexico from either declaring war or invading
