U.S vs Mexico.

As time has passed, people from both, the United States and Mexico have developed a great rivalry. This rivalry is fueled by nationalism. In this modern era, whenever the United States faces Mexico in some sort of challenge, a victory over the rival is more than just another victory. It is a victory that provides pride of one's nation.
The start of this rivalry flourished after the Mexican-American War. In going to war against Mexico, President of the United States, James Polk was taking into account the best interest of the United States, for his ultimate purpose was territorial expansion.
The Mexican- American War was one of the biggest conflicts sustained by the idea of "Manifest Destiny"- The belief that America had the God- given right to expand its territories. When President Polk took office in 1845, the idea of "manifest destiny" had taken over the mentality of most Americans, and so it did in the mind of President James Polk.
He demonstrated to be a follower of this idea through his work to settle the Oregon border affair and through his desire for the acquisition of California. In addition he also admitted Texas into the union a decade later after they had gained their independence from Mexico.
President Polk, not satisfied with the annexation of Texas, wanted to acquire the California - New Mexico region as well. Since past attempts to obtain this territory through negotiations with Mexico had failed, Polk needed another way put his hand on the tempting territory. He opted for a more violent and later controversial way, war.
Polk sent troops to the disputed area near Nueces river and the Rio Grande. He proceeded to do this despite the fact that many Americans believed the area belonged to the Mexicans. Polk's opportunity to declare war came when Mexican forces, according to him, had crossed over the border to attack Americans. - This was never proved.
This excuse- based war brought a victory to the Americans after they had gone all the way to Mexico's capital to defeat Mexico. Polk, in such a controversial manner, had accomplished his ambitions for territorial expansion. Under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the Mexican - American war was terminated. The treaty stated that Mexico recognized the American claims to the are north of the Rio Grande. Mexico also ceded California and New Mexico to the United States for $15 million.
Even though Polk was not satisfied with the terms of the treaty because he thought America deserved even more territory, in his first term as president, Polk achieved his ultimate goal and attributed to Washington's reference to America as a " Rising Empire."
Ultimately, Polk made a huge impact for United States history, for the American territory dramatically, if not unbelievably, increased since the American Revolution. This acquirement of land would boost America's economy, since it created an infinite number of jobs.