2. Westward movement on the rise… settlers outnumbering Mexicans in Texas 10 to 1 Found to be independent

3. Henry Clay Confident he would win Pushed for annexation too late James K. Polk Wanted annexation of TX Proponent of westward expansion VS Polk Wins!!!

4. Some Americans oppose adding another slave state Fear war with Mexico Many Americans support Manifest Destiny, westward expansion Polk’s victory helps bring approval for Annexation Texas had strong U.S. ties and badly needed U.S. military and monetary aid December 29, 1845: James K. Polk signed legislation making Texas the 28 th state

5. Boundary disputes U.S. claimed Rio Grande as border & Mexico declared it to be the Nueces U.S. Troops moved towards Rio Grande