Question

President Polk felt that war was the only way that the U.S. would gain the territories of __________ and ___ ______.

Answer 1

President Polk believed war was necessary to acquire the territories of New Mexico and California, actions influenced by the ideology of Manifest Destiny and leading to the Mexican-American War.

Step-by-step explanation:

President Polk felt that war was the only way that the U.S. would gain the territories of New Mexico and California. Polk aimed to acquire these territories peacefully but resolved to use military force if necessary. The President settled the Oregon boundary dispute with Britain to focus American strength on acquiring territories from Mexico. The idea of Manifest Destiny fueled the American public's endorsement of expansion, while the administration viewed Mexico as weak and ready for the taking. Subsequent to provocation and military skirmishes between U.S. and Mexican forces, Congress approved Polk's request for war, resulting in the Mexican-American War, which eventually led to the U.S. acquisition of vast territories, including New Mexico and California, highlighting the aggressive expansionism under Polk's presidency.