Essay, Unit 5: Debate on the Decision for War with Mexico, 1846
In May 1846, the U.S. Congress, acting at the behest of President James K. Polk, declared war on Mexico. Like many more wars in American history than Americans would like to admit, the Mexican War was unpopular with many. The opponents of the war included Abraham Lincoln, who protested it, Ulysses Grant, who fought in it, and Henry David Thoreau, who went to jail in protest of it. In this assignment you will write an essay of two pages (five paragraphs), analyzing the arguments for and against the war, presented by two important voices in the debate: President Polk (for the war) and Ohio Congressman Joshua R. Giddings (against). After beginning with an introductory paragraph that summarizes the issues involved in the debate, you will fairly present the arguments for both sides, as represented by the speeches of each below, in two paragraphs for each side. Each paragraph in your essay should be 5 to 6 sentences.
Required Readings
James K. Polk, Speech urging Congress to Declare War, May 13, 1846
“My Country, Right or Wrong:” Joshua R. Giddings, Speech Attacking the Decision for War, May 13-18, 1846
Directions
In the essay answer the following questions for about Polk’s address:
Why was it necessary for the United States to declare war on Mexico?
What steps did the United States take to avoid war, according to Polk?
What Mexican factors or motives made the war unavoidable, according to Polk?
In the essay, answer the following questions for Gidding’s address:
Why was it unecessary for the US to declare war on Mexico, according to Giddings?
What steps did the United States take to cause war, according to Giddings?
What American factors or motives made the war unavoidable, according to Giddings?
Your essay should be a minimum of 2 pages, and you should spend AT LEAST one page discussing each position (one page discussing Polk’s perspective and one page discussing Giddings’s perspective). Your answer should reflect the main points from each reading, and BOTH readings should be addressed in your essay. The above questions for each perspective should be addressed in your essay. Use examples from the readings to illustrate your main points. When you write your essay, don’t just go reading by reading; rather, see what common themes are found in the readings for both perspective and write paragraphs based on themes rather than examining each reading individually. Yes, this requires more thought, but then your essay won’t read like an extended book report on each article. If you have any questions, just let me know and I’ll be more than happy to help.
Be sure to proof your essay before submitting it as errors in grammar and spelling will lead to a deduction in points. Use quotations when using the exact wording from the reading. As per the instructions in the syllabus, most of the essay should be in your own words and reflect your own analysis of the readings. Please re-read the syllabus for expectations regarding essays.
