President Polk attempted to provoke a war with Mexico through several actions:
1. Annexation of Texas: President Polk supported the annexation of Texas, which was a territory disputed between Mexico and the United States. This annexation led to increased tensions between the two countries.
2. Sending troops to the disputed area: Polk ordered General Zachary Taylor to move troops into the disputed territory between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande. This action was seen as an incursion into Mexican territory and provoked Mexico.
3. The Mexican-American War: In 1846, a clash occurred between Mexican and American troops in the disputed region, leading to the start of the Mexican-American War. This conflict further escalated tensions and ultimately resulted in the United States gaining significant territory from Mexico after the war.
By annexing Texas, sending troops into disputed territory, and engaging in military conflict, President Polk actively sought to instigate a war with Mexico to achieve territorial expansion and fulfill the concept of Manifest Destiny.
