The Mexican-American War and Its Aftermath

In 1848, after the US defeated Mexico in a war, it annexed certain territories. Some Americans wanted to annex all of Mexico, but President Polk faced domestic issues, including slavery and political opposition. The debate included arguments for full annexation based on financial and strategic reasons. However, Nicholas Trist negotiated a lesser treaty, believing America couldn't be both a republic and an empire. Despite Polk's dissatisfaction, the treaty was accepted, and the US annexed only part of Mexico.

What year did the United States annex territories from Mexico after the war?

• 1852

• 1846

• 1850

• 1848

What event led to the start of the war between the United States and Mexico?

• The annexation of Texas

• The annexation of California

• The election of a new president

• The discovery of gold

What was President Polk's dilemma after the US won the war?

• How to negotiate with European powers

• How much land to annex from Mexico

• How to rebuild the US economy

• How to manage the new territories

What was one of the main domestic disagreements regarding the annexation of Mexican territories?

• The construction of a new capital

• The establishment of new trade routes

• The status of slavery in the new territories

• The introduction of new taxes

Why did some US politicians oppose the annexation of all of Mexico?

• They were concerned about the climate

• They believed Mexico was too far away

• They wanted to focus on European expansion

• They feared a prolonged guerrilla war

What was one reason some Americans wanted to annex all of Mexico?

• To establish a new capital city

• To find new gold reserves

• To gain access to southern ports

• To create a buffer zone against Canada

What was a concern about incorporating all of Mexico into the United States?

• The distance from the US capital

• The potential for a long and costly guerrilla war

• The language barrier

• The lack of natural resources

Who was Nicholas Trist, and what role did he play in the annexation process?

• A journalist who reported on the war

• A senator who opposed the war

• A diplomat who negotiated a lesser settlement

• A military general who led the US troops

What was one argument against the annexation of all of Mexico?

• The potential for increased trade with Europe

• The concern over the cost of building new infrastructure

• The fear of losing the next presidential election

• The belief that America could not be both a republic and an empire

What was a reason for the lesser annexation plan winning out?

• The election of a new president

• The discovery of gold in California

• Nicholas Trist's negotiation of a lesser settlement

• The outbreak of another war