Profile of the Day: President James K. Polk
Do you have ancestors who served in the Mexican-American War? On May 13, 1846, the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly approved President James K. Polk’s request to declare war on Mexico in the wake of a dispute over Texas. The Republic of Texas had declared their independence from Mexico after the Texas Revolution, and sought to join the United States as a new state. Boundary disputes lead to increasing tension between the two nations, eventually escalating to war. After nearly two years of fighting, Texas was annexed and California and New Mexico were ceded, making the U.S. the dominant force on the North American continent.
Today historians recognize James K. Polk as the president who made the United States a coast-to-coast nation and one of the most important presidents in American history.