Page "James K. Polk" Paragraph 50

After the Texas annexation, Polk turned his attention to California, hoping to acquire the territory from Mexico before any European nation did so.

The main interest was San Francisco Bay as an access point for trade with Asia.

In 1845, he sent diplomat John Slidell to Mexico to purchase California and New Mexico for $ 24 – 30 million.

Slidell's arrival caused political turmoil in Mexico after word leaked out that he was there to purchase additional territory and not to offer compensation for the loss of Texas.

The Mexicans refused to receive Slidell, citing a technical problem with his credentials.

In January 1846, to increase pressure on Mexico to negotiate, Polk sent troops under General Zachary Taylor into the area between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande — territory that was claimed by both the U. S. and Mexico.