The Mexican government’s refusal either to sell its trans-Rio Grande territories or to pay claims for losses sustained by American citizens during Mexico’s War of Independence provides an excuse for President Polk’s clearly stated intentions to annex the Mexican provinces of California and New Mexico, as well as to make the Rio Grande the western border of Texas.

The Paredes-led Centralist government, regarding Texas as Mexican land, mobilizes troops in early 1846 as Paredes reiterates his intention of attacking Texas.

Paredes, confident in the prowess of his well-armed, disciplined, experienced army of about thirty-two thousand men, speaks of occupying New Orleans and Mobile.

Many Centralists count on the abolitionist movement to demoralize the U.S. fighting spirit; some Centralists hope America’s enslaved people will rise in support of a Mexican invasion.