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The united states had a policy of westward expansion, while mexico had a policy of self protection. What the americans had was actually the idea of manifest destiny. Manifest destiny was the belief that the US had the right to expand westward. Evidence of US expansion is seen with the independence of texas from mexico. The strongest evidence of US expansion goals is with the Mexican-American War. Slavery was also a big issue during the 1830's and 40's. The settlement of Texas played into the united States expansion plans. In the 1830's Texas was still within Mexican borders. Eager for economic growth, the mexican government encouraged US citizens to come and settle. Since mexico banned slavery, most settlers were not happy with this policy and tried to form stronger bonds with the us government than with the mexican government. Arguments anfd fights arose because of this bond, but in 1836 Texas claimed its independence from mexico. After texas gained their independence they wanted to join the United States. The US congress voted against texas from joining