The influence of the renaissance, through its art and philosophy, the civilization was catholic because, initially it influenced the greeks and romans through its laws, and customs, in the relations of the civil society. The political organization from the Germanic peoples, the social organization, where the classes were divided and prevented from ascension.
It was Polk who was wildly enthusiastic about going to war with Mexico, although he was widely criticized within and outside his Democratic part for the thoughts on the matter.
