APUSH 5.3 Mexican American War

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

• Annexation of Texas

• Ending the Civil War

• Building the Panama Canal

• Abolishing slavery

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.

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

• John Tyler

• James K. Polk

• Andrew Jackson

• Martin Van Buren

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.

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

• New Mexico and California

• Arizona and Nevada

• Texas and Florida

• Oregon and Washington

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.

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

• A new trade route

• A peace treaty

• Forced Mexican government to the negotiation table

• Annexation of Canada

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.

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

• The Mississippi River

• The Rio Grande

• The Colorado River

• The Missouri River

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.

Who proposed the Wilmot Proviso?

• Henry Clay

• David Wilmot

• Stephen Douglas

• John C. Calhoun

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.

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

• Property rights

• Civil rights

• Religious rights

• Economic 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.

What conflict did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo bring an end to?

• Texas Revolution

• Spanish American War

• Mexican American War

• Pueblo Revolt

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.