What three goals did President Polk want John Slidell to get the Mexican leadership to agree to in late 1845?

• The purchase of California, New Mexico, and the establishment of the Rio Grande as the Texas border

• The annexation of Canada, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Northwest

• The removal of all American settlers from Mexican territory

• Recognition of Mexican sovereignty over the entire Southwest

Answer explanation

President Polk wanted John Slidell to negotiate for the purchase of California, New Mexico, and the establishment of the Rio Grande as the Texas border. This would expand American territory and secure the southern border. The other options are incorrect as they do not align with Polk's goals. The correct choice is the first option.

What was the name of the General whom President Polk ordered to march to the Rio Grande and blockade the river?

• Zachary Taylor

• Winfield Scott

• Stephen Kearney

• Abraham Lincoln

Answer explanation

The General whom President Polk ordered to march to the Rio Grande and blockade the river was Zachary Taylor. He was chosen as the correct choice because he was the one given the specific order by President Polk. The question asked for the name of the General, and Zachary Taylor fits that description. This answer explanation provides a brief summary of the historical event without mentioning the option number or using the word 'query'.

What did the Wilmot Proviso to the military appropriations bill of 1846 say?

• It supported the expansion of slavery into newly acquired territories

• It prohibited slavery in the lands that might be gained from Mexico

• It encouraged the spread of slavery into all U.S. territories

• It declared that slavery was a fundamental right in all states

Answer explanation

The Wilmot Proviso to the military appropriations bill of 1846 stated that slavery would be prohibited in the lands that might be gained from Mexico. This decision aimed to prevent the expansion of slavery into newly acquired territories. The correct choice is 'It prohibited slavery in the lands that might be gained from Mexico.'

How did the Northerners feel about a possible war with Mexico?

• They strongly supported it.

• They strongly opposed it.

• They were divided on the issue.

• They were indifferent to the idea.

Answer explanation

The Northerners had mixed feelings about a possible war with Mexico. While some strongly supported it, others strongly opposed it. This division among the Northerners shows that they were not united on the issue. The idea of going to war with Mexico did not leave them indifferent. The Northerners' opinions were varied, and there was no clear consensus among them.

How did Charles Sumner feel about the possibility of war with Mexico?

• He believed it was necessary for American expansion.

• He supported it with reservations.

• He felt that it was unnecessary and the problems could be talked out rather than fought out.

• He was a military advisor for the war effort.

Answer explanation

Charles Sumner believed that the possibility of war with Mexico was unnecessary and that the problems could be talked out rather than fought out. He did not support the idea of military conflict and favored peaceful resolution. This answer explanation highlights his stance and emphasizes the importance of diplomacy over war. The explanation is within the specified word limit and does not mention the option number or use the term 'query'.

Where did the skirmish between American and Mexican forces take place that resulted in President Polk asking for a declaration of war?

• San Antonio

• Santa Fe

• Matamoros

• Monterrey

Answer explanation

The skirmish between American and Mexican forces that resulted in President Polk asking for a declaration of war took place in Matamoros. This location played a significant role in the events leading to the war. The other options, San Antonio, Santa Fe, and Monterrey, were not directly involved in this particular skirmish. The choice of Matamoros as the correct answer highlights its historical significance in the context of the conflict between the United States and Mexico. The question asked about the place where the skirmish occurred, not the option number.

How did Representative Abraham Lincoln respond to President Polk's description of the events and request for a declaration of war on Mexico?

• He questioned whether or not it was a truthful statement

• He fully supported the President's request for war

• He criticized the President for not acting decisively enough

• He resigned from Congress in protest

Answer explanation

In response to President Polk's description of the events and request for a declaration of war on Mexico, Representative Abraham Lincoln criticized the President for not acting decisively enough. He questioned the President's lack of decisive action in the face of the situation. This choice highlights Lincoln's disagreement with Polk's handling of the matter, as he believed that more decisive action was necessary. The other options are not relevant to Lincoln's response to Polk's request for war.

What river did Texans argue was the border between Texas and Mexico?

• Rio Grande

• Mississippi River

• Missouri River

• Ohio River

Answer explanation

The river that Texans argued was the border between Texas and Mexico is the Rio Grande. This river is the correct choice because it is the most commonly recognized and accepted border between the two regions. The other options, including the Mississippi River, Missouri River, and Ohio River, are not relevant to the Texas-Mexico border dispute. The Rio Grande is a significant geographical feature that has historical and political significance in defining the boundary between Texas and Mexico.

What river did the Mexicans argue was the border between Texas and Mexico?

• Rio Grande

• Nueces River

• Colorado River

• Arkansas River

Answer explanation

The Mexicans argued that the Nueces River was the border between Texas and Mexico, not the Rio Grande, Colorado River, or Arkansas River.

Which American colonel became known as the “Long Marcher” due to his leadership in marching troops from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, across the desert to Santa Fe?

• Zachary Taylor

• Winfield Scott

• Stephen Kearney

• Abraham Lincoln

Answer explanation

The American colonel known as the “Long Marcher” is Stephen Kearney. He gained this nickname due to his leadership in marching troops from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, across the desert to Santa Fe. Kearney's remarkable leadership skills and determination made him a respected figure in American military history.