Mr. Polk's War - Manifest Destiny and the Mexican-American War

This captivating printable requires students to understand the concept of manifest destiny and to conduct a mock interview in which they answer tough questions in the role of Abraham Lincoln (against the Mexican-American War) and in the role of President James K. Polk (in support of the war).

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Extend/Discuss -

Abraham Lincoln and President James K. Polk had very different views about the Mexican-American War:

President James K. Polk supported and initiated the war, believing it was necessary to defend American territory and fulfill the idea of Manifest Destiny. He claimed that Mexico had "shed American blood upon American soil" and used this justification to ask Congress for a declaration of war in 1846.

Abraham Lincoln, a young congressman at the time, strongly criticized the war, questioning whether the conflict was truly provoked by Mexico. He issued what became known as the "Spot Resolutions," demanding that Polk show the exact "spot" where blood was shed to prove it was truly on U.S. soil and not in disputed territory. Lincoln believed the war was unjust and unnecessary, and primarily a way to expand slavery into new territories.