Chapter 44: War breaks out between Mexico and the United States.

After Mexico severs diplomatic relations, Polk sends 2400 troops under Zachary Taylor to the border, initially at the Nueces River but then all the way to the Rio Grande.

On April 24, 1846 Polk claims that Mexico crosses the river and kills 16 Americans. He responds by sending up a Declaration of War to Congress on May 13, confident that any hold-outs will now be ready to act.

His assessment proves right, and his request quickly passes the Senate by 40-2 and the House by 174-14.