The main cause of the war is usually blamed on the annexation of Texas into the Union. This idea is much too shallow because the causes root deeper than that. There are minor causes that accumulated and led to the start of the war. One of the most obvious is the Annexation of Texas. At the time Texas was an independent republic. The people have chosen to secede from Mexico and join the Union. Another cause is the problem with the claims against the Mexican Government by United States' citizens for property damages a result of the frequent revolutions and instability of the period. Yet another is the desire of Americans to acquire California. They had feared the possibility of it falling into British or French rule. They did not want European neighbors. This would be a threat to the welf

The first military hostilities began before Texas was even annexed into the Union. General Zachary Taylor was instructed to send troops into Texas as soon as the annexation was complete. He positioned his troops at Fort Jesup in West Louisiana until he was authorized to send them to Corpus Christi, Texas. The General's instructions were as follows, "As soon as the offer of annexation made to Texas by the Congress of the United States of America on March 1, 1845, should be accepted, Texas will be then regarded... so far a part of the United States as to be entitled to defense and protection from foreign invasion and Indian incursion." He was also instructed that he should be prepared to move his troops "on or near the River Grande". This is operation had just motives. The United States was attempting to protect its new citizens, not preparing for war. During this time period there were no actions on the United States Government to increase the size of the military. The increase in military forces came only after war was declared. The American forces began preparing for war when the diplomatic relations between the nations ceased. General Mariano Paredes was stuck on his non-negotiable policy of maintaining the boundary along the Sabine River. When American Envoy John Slidell was sent home, President Polk issued General Taylor to march toward the Rio Grande and set-up a defensive position. He had special instructions not to treat the Mexicans as "enemies", but authorized him to take "appropriate action" should hostilities occur. General Taylo

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1054
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)