Fillmore Administration - Foreign Issues
Foreign Issues
With the acquisition of the Mexican Cession, land acquired after the Mexican War (1846–48), the boundaries of the continental United States expanded to about what they are today. The borders of the United States extended across the continent from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The successful war had demonstrated the strength of the United States, and encouraged Americans to seek greater opportunities and national influence abroad. Increased trade with the Far East was of particular interest. At the same time, however, the United States had long followed a policy of keeping out of the often violent international politics of the European powers.
Thus, the Fillmore administration tried to encourage foreign commerce while the United States remained at a distance from the political affairs of other nations. Fillmore in his first annual message to Congress stated that it was "an imperative duty" of the...
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