Question

Why was President Polk willing to go to war with Mexico?
to gain new territory in the northwest
to further the idea of Manifest Destiny
to protect the United States from a Mexican invasion
to help the Republic of Texas remain independent

Answer 1

President James K. Polk was primarily motivated to go to war with Mexico to further the idea of Manifest Destiny. Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent, which included not only acquiring Texas but also other territories such as California and New Mexico. Polk saw war with Mexico as a means to fulfill this vision and to promote the expansion of the United States. While there were other reasons and justifications, such as supporting Texan independence and protecting U.S. interests, the overarching goal was the expansion of U.S. territory consistent with the principles of Manifest Destiny.