President Polk opposed the annexation of Texas into the Union and in fact it was not until February 28th, 1845 that Texas was finally brought into the Union by President Tyler. It is believed that Tyler who did not like Polk did this as a way of insulting Polk as it took away one of his firmest stances in one quick move. However, President Polk had kept in mind that Mexico had stated repeatedly that annexing Texas would result in war and he had kept this in mind during his decision. By annexing Texas, Mexico was quick to rise in anger and war was inevitable.
It was this move by Tyler which led President Polk to quickly work to secure California before anyone else could. However, contrary to what Mexico threatened, it was not Tyler’s action which eventually brought American and Mexico to war but rather Polk’s decision to chase after California for the future of the United States which brought the declaration of war. Interestingly enough, it was not cast by Mexico but by the United States because Mexico had insulted Sidell, Polk’s diplomat by refusing to hear him or any discussion of the purchase of California.
The war which happened as a result of the chain of events after Texas brought many casualties and the famous battle at the Alamo. However, after the move by Taylor and Winfield to deal with the Mexican forces, opposition was quickly dealt with and gave American a resounding victory which secured Texas and California for the United States. With this move, California was secure as was the trading route, and Texas presented many land opportunities to the people of the United States, particularly in cattle and other herds like horses, which help to solidify the American economy of the future.