5.3 The Mexican-American War

What were the main reasons for the U.S. annexation of Texas in 1845?

• The main reasons for the U.S. annexation of Texas included the desire for expansion among Southern Democrats, the belief in manifest destiny, and the political support for James K. Polk, who was an ardent expansionist.

• President Polk's actions, including the annexation of Texas and the push for war with Mexico, were driven by the belief in manifest destiny—the idea that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent. His policies aimed to fulfill this belief by acquiring new territories.

• The acquisition of new territories raised questions about whether these areas would permit slavery, intensifying the national debate over the expansion of slavery and contributing to sectional tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.

• Domestic opposition grew primarily among Northerners who feared the war would expand slavery into new territories. Additionally, some believed that President Polk had misled Congress about the war's origins, viewing the U.S. as the aggressor.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights the main reasons for the U.S. annexation of Texas, including Southern Democrats' expansion desires, the belief in manifest destiny, and support for expansionist President Polk.

How did the boundary dispute between the U.S. and Mexico contribute to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War?

• Domestic opposition grew primarily among Northerners who feared the war would expand slavery into new territories. Additionally, some believed that President Polk had misled Congress about the war's origins, viewing the U.S. as the aggressor.

  
  

• President Polk's actions, including the annexation of Texas and the push for war with Mexico, were driven by the belief in manifest destiny—the idea that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent. His policies aimed to fulfill this belief by acquiring new territories.

  
  

• The boundary dispute arose from Texans claiming the Rio Grande River as their border, while Mexico claimed the Nueces River. This disagreement escalated tensions, especially after U.S. troops crossed into what Mexico considered its territory, leading to conflict.

• The acquisition of new territories raised questions about whether these areas would permit slavery, intensifying the national debate over the expansion of slavery and contributing to sectional tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.

  
  

Answer explanation

The boundary dispute between Texas and Mexico, with Texans claiming the Rio Grande and Mexico the Nueces River, heightened tensions. U.S. troop movements into disputed territory led to conflict, triggering the Mexican-American War.

Describe the domestic opposition to the Mexican-American War and the reasons behind it.

• The key terms included Mexico accepting the Rio Grande as the Texas border and ceding New Mexico and upper California to the U.S. for $15 million. Additionally, the southern portion of New Mexico and Arizona would be acquired later through the Gadsden Purchase for $10 million.

  
  

• The war and subsequent westward expansion led to increased conflict with Native Americans, as white settlers moved into these regions. This resulted in the loss of land, disruption of traditional lifestyles, and intensified conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes.

  
  

• Southern Americans largely supported the war due to the potential for new slave territories and the expansion of agrarian interests. In contrast, many Northern Americans opposed the war, fearing it would exacerbate the issue of slavery and lead to further sectional conflict. This division highlighted the growing rift between the North and South.

•  Domestic opposition grew primarily among Northerners who feared the war would expand slavery into new territories. Additionally, some believed that President Polk had misled Congress about the war's origins, viewing the U.S. as the aggressor.

Answer explanation

Domestic opposition to the Mexican-American War was primarily from Northerners who feared the expansion of slavery into new territories and believed President Polk misled Congress, viewing the U.S. as the aggressor.

What were the key terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

• The main reasons for the U.S. annexation of Texas included the desire for expansion among Southern Democrats, the belief in manifest destiny, and the political support for James K. Polk, who was an ardent expansionist.

  
  

• The key terms included Mexico accepting the Rio Grande as the Texas border and ceding New Mexico and upper California to the U.S. for $15 million. Additionally, the southern portion of New Mexico and Arizona would be acquired later through the Gadsden Purchase for $10 million.

  
  

•  President Polk's actions, including the annexation of Texas and the push for war with Mexico, were driven by the belief in manifest destiny—the idea that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent. His policies aimed to fulfill this belief by acquiring new territories.

  
  

• The acquisition of new territories raised questions about whether these areas would permit slavery, intensifying the national debate over the expansion of slavery and contributing to sectional tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.

  
  

Answer explanation

The correct choice outlines the key terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, including the acceptance of the Rio Grande as the Texas border and the cession of New Mexico and California for $15 million.

Analyze how the outcome of the Mexican-American War influenced the debates over slavery in the United States.

•  The key terms included Mexico accepting the Rio Grande as the Texas border and ceding New Mexico and upper California to the U.S. for $15 million. Additionally, the southern portion of New Mexico and Arizona would be acquired later through the Gadsden Purchase for $10 million.

  
  

• President Polk's actions, including the annexation of Texas and the push for war with Mexico, were driven by the belief in manifest destiny—the idea that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent. His policies aimed to fulfill this belief by acquiring new territories.

  
  

• The acquisition of new territories raised questions about whether these areas would permit slavery, intensifying the national debate over the expansion of slavery and contributing to sectional tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.

  
  

•  Domestic opposition grew primarily among Northerners who feared the war would expand slavery into new territories. Additionally, some believed that President Polk had misled Congress about the war's origins, viewing the U.S. as the aggressor.

  
  

Answer explanation

The acquisition of new territories after the Mexican-American War raised critical questions about the expansion of slavery, heightening sectional tensions and contributing to the debates that ultimately led to the Civil War.

Evaluate the impact of the Mexican-American War on Native American populations in the newly acquired territories.

• The war and subsequent westward expansion led to increased conflict with Native Americans, as white settlers moved into these regions. This resulted in the loss of land, disruption of traditional lifestyles, and intensified conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes.

  
  

• Southern Americans largely supported the war due to the potential for new slave territories and the expansion of agrarian interests. In contrast, many Northern Americans opposed the war, fearing it would exacerbate the issue of slavery and lead to further sectional conflict. This division highlighted the growing rift between the North and South.

• Domestic opposition grew primarily among Northerners who feared the war would expand slavery into new territories. Additionally, some believed that President Polk had misled Congress about the war's origins, viewing the U.S. as the aggressor.

  
  

• President Polk's actions, including the annexation of Texas and the push for war with Mexico, were driven by the belief in manifest destiny—the idea that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent. His policies aimed to fulfill this belief by acquiring new territories.

  
  

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that the Mexican-American War and westward expansion led to increased conflicts with Native Americans, resulting in land loss and disruption of their traditional lifestyles.

Discuss how the concept of manifest destiny was reflected in the actions of President Polk during the Mexican-American War.

• Southern Americans largely supported the war due to the potential for new slave territories and the expansion of agrarian interests. In contrast, many Northern Americans opposed the war, fearing it would exacerbate the issue of slavery and lead to further sectional conflict. This division highlighted the growing rift between the North and South.

• The acquisition of new territories raised questions about whether these areas would permit slavery, intensifying the national debate over the expansion of slavery and contributing to sectional tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.

  
  

• The war and subsequent westward expansion led to increased conflict with Native Americans, as white settlers moved into these regions. This resulted in the loss of land, disruption of traditional lifestyles, and intensified conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes.

  
  

• President Polk's actions, including the annexation of Texas and the push for war with Mexico, were driven by the belief in manifest destiny—the idea that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent. His policies aimed to fulfill this belief by acquiring new territories.

  
  
  

Answer explanation

President Polk's actions, such as the annexation of Texas and the war with Mexico, exemplified manifest destiny, reflecting the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent through territorial acquisition.

Compare the perspectives of Northern and Southern Americans regarding the Mexican-American War and its consequences.

• Southern Americans largely supported the war due to the potential for new slave territories and the expansion of agrarian interests. In contrast, many Northern Americans opposed the war, fearing it would exacerbate the issue of slavery and lead to further sectional conflict. This division highlighted the growing rift between the North and South. 

  
  

• The acquisition of new territories raised questions about whether these areas would permit slavery, intensifying the national debate over the expansion of slavery and contributing to sectional tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.

• Domestic opposition grew primarily among Northerners who feared the war would expand slavery into new territories. Additionally, some believed that President Polk had misled Congress about the war's origins, viewing the U.S. as the aggressor.

  
  

• The main reasons for the U.S. annexation of Texas included the desire for expansion among Southern Democrats, the belief in manifest destiny, and the political support for James K. Polk, who was an ardent expansionist.

  
  

Answer explanation

Southern Americans supported the Mexican-American War for potential slave territories, while many Northerners opposed it, fearing increased slavery and sectional conflict. This division underscored the growing rift between North and South.