Channels, Spring 2019

Channels • 2019 • Volume 3 • Number 2 Page 39 other manner their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition towards the United States. 32 Many contend the historic significance of the Monroe Doctrine, and even debate whether it should be a policy the United States should pursue with respect to international concerns. Regardless, the Monroe Doctrine was a clear statement of America’s power and desire to be recognized and acknowledged, and a clear signal of the extension of the president’s prominence in the realm of foreign affairs. Following the Monroe Doctrine came the challenges of American expansionism and manifest destiny. One president often associated with American expansionism is James K. Polk, who secured the annexation of Texas and led the country during the Mexican-American War among other things in the name of American idealism and expansionism. Here, questions arise over the level of involvement President Polk placed had in placing American troops within harm’s way to gain the outcome of war, which President Polk could deduce would lead to the annexation of Texas and California, as well as the adoption of the Rio Grande river as the border between the United States and Mexico. Robert Merry, in his book A Country of Vast Designs, wrote of President Polk’s involvement in the Mexican-American War beginnings: One of the biggest mysteries was the level of involvement by President Polk. What we know is that Stockton joined up with Charles A. Wickliffe…who had been sent to Galveston by Polk. Together, they aligned with Major General Sidney Sherman of the Texas militia in a plan to attack Mexico. The concept was that, in the ensuing war between Texas and Mexico, the United States would be drawn in to protect Texas, and the result would be U.S. acquisition of California. 33 Altogether, such a strategy would accomplish the objectives of Manifest Destiny. Essentially, Manifest Destiny “ refers to the nineteenth-century idea that God had chosen the American people to expand westward across North America to the Pacific Ocean.” 34 Whatever his involvement in the beginnings of the Mexican-American War, Polk’s conduct during the war secured multiple concessions and ultimately garnered the support of the American people. Polk expanded the powers of the presidency subtly. Forcing the hand of the Mexicans to attack the Americans (or vice versa) then forced the hand of Congress to respond in retaliation to the attacks by the Mexican government. Because he himself could not declare war and required congressional authorization, forcing the hand of Congress to declare war has become a practice of several presidents. During that time, congressional approval was not forthcoming as many senators and congressmen opposed supporting the war on the account of President Polk’s actions. Polk declared, after placing General Zachary Taylor in disputed territories which led to a breakout of armed hostilities, that Mexico “has passed the boundary of the United States, has invaded our territory, and has shed American blood upon American soil.” 35 Louis Fisher provides an astute recount of the constitutional concerns arising from the breakout of the Mexican-American War: 32 Ibid. 33 Merry, Robert W. A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent . Simon and Schuster: New York, 2009. 34 Ruth, Michael. “Manifest Destiny.” Salem Press Encyclopedia , 2014. 35 Fisher, Presidential War Power , 41