APUSH 5.3 Mexican American War

Front

What was one of the main campaign promises of James K. Polk when he took office in 1845?

Back

Annexation of Texas

Answer explanation

One of James K. Polk's main campaign promises in 1845 was the annexation of Texas, which he strongly supported as part of his expansionist agenda, aiming to fulfill the idea of Manifest Destiny.

Front

Who was the U.S. president that led the process to annex Texas?

Back

John Tyler

Answer explanation

John Tyler was the U.S. president who initiated the annexation of Texas in 1844. Although the process was completed under James K. Polk, Tyler's administration laid the groundwork for this significant expansion.

Front

Which territories did John Slidell ask Mexico to sell to the United States?

Back

New Mexico and California

Answer explanation

John Slidell was sent by President Polk in 1845 to negotiate the purchase of territories from Mexico, specifically New Mexico and California, which were seen as vital for westward expansion.

Front

What did Polk want with Mexico?

Back

War

Answer explanation

Polk aimed for war with Mexico to expand U.S. territory, particularly after the annexation of Texas. His administration believed that conflict would lead to the acquisition of California and other lands, fulfilling Manifest Destiny.

Front

What was the result of the American victory in Mexico City?

Back

Forced Mexican government to the negotiation table

Answer explanation

The American victory in Mexico City forced the Mexican government to negotiate, leading to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War and resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S.

Front

What did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo establish as the southern border of Texas?

Back

The Rio Grande

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, established the Rio Grande as the southern border of Texas, replacing previous boundaries and solidifying U.S. territorial claims in the region.

Front

Who proposed the Wilmot Proviso?

Back

David Wilmot

Answer explanation

The Wilmot Proviso was proposed by David Wilmot in 1846 as an amendment to ban slavery in territories acquired from Mexico. This proposal highlighted the growing sectional tensions over slavery in the United States.

Front

Until when did the Indians in the territory not have a chance at citizenship?

Back

1930s

Answer explanation

Indians in the territory did not have a chance at citizenship until the 1930s, when legal changes began to allow for their inclusion in the citizenship process, marking a significant shift from previous decades.

Front

What kind of rights did both Mexicans and Indians face assaults on?

Back

Civil rights

Answer explanation

Both Mexicans and Indians faced assaults on their civil rights, which include the rights to equality, freedom from discrimination, and participation in political processes. This was a significant issue in their historical struggles.

Front

What conflict did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo bring an end to? Options: Texas Revolution, Spanish American War, Mexican American War, Pueblo Revolt

Back

Mexican American War

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the Mexican American War, which was fought between the United States and Mexico over territorial disputes. It resulted in significant land gains for the U.S.