Polk Invites Congressmen to WH Days Before Provoking Mexican-American War by Sending Troops to TX.

Unique Polk Invitation, 4.5” x 6.75,” issued on New Year's Eve of 1845, inviting Congressman Hugh White of New York to the White House for dinner on January 6th 1846, just days before provoking Mexico into war by sending American troops to Texas. Very good with slight toning and expected folds from mailing.

In 1844, President James K. Polk campaigned on a Democratic platform that supported manifest destiny, the belief that Americans were destined to occupy the entire North American continent. Polk wanted to acquire California, New Mexico, and land near the disputed southern border of Texas and Mexico. However, Mexico refused to sell the land when Polk attempted to negotiate a purchase.

In January 1846, Polk sent American troops to Texas with the intention of provoking the Mexicans into war. When Mexican forces fired on American troops on April 25, 1846, Polk used this incident as a justification for declaring war. Despite controversy and debate over the legitimacy of the war, the U.S. achieved significant military successes.

Eventually, in 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, solidifying the American victory. The treaty granted the U.S. an enormous amount of territory, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Wyoming. Mexico also gave up its hold over all of Texas and the disputed border area. In return, the U.S. paid $15 million and assumed Mexican debts.

While the Mexican War was won, the issue of what to do with the new territories further intensified the divide between the North and South. The question of whether slavery would be allowed in these territories exacerbated tensions, ultimately leading to The Compromise of 1850 and later, the Civil War.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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