Mexican American War, New Mexico History Quiz

What happened to Governor Bent during the Resistance of 1847?

• He was captured by rebels and hung for treason.

• He was killed by rebels in his home.

• He fled to the U.S.

• He negotiated the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Answer explanation

During the Resistance of 1847, Governor Bent was killed by rebels in his home, marking a significant event in the conflict. This choice accurately reflects the violent outcome of his leadership during that tumultuous period.

Who was the American leader that created the Republic of Texas?

• James Polk

• Charles Bent

• James Gadsden

• Stephen Austin

Answer explanation

Stephen Austin is known as the "Father of Texas" for his role in leading American settlers to the region and establishing the Republic of Texas in the early 1830s, making him the correct answer.

What belief justified the U.S. expansion from the Atlantic to the Pacific?

• Isolationism

• Monroe Doctrine

• Manifest Destiny

• Federalism

Answer explanation

The belief that justified U.S. expansion from the Atlantic to the Pacific is known as Manifest Destiny. This ideology held that Americans were destined to expand across the continent, promoting the idea of westward expansion.

Which of the following was NOT a requirement for Americans settling in Texas while it was part of Mexico?

• No slavery

• Speak Spanish

• Convert to Catholicism

• Pay taxes to the U.S.

Answer explanation

The requirement to 'pay taxes to the U.S.' was not applicable, as settlers were under Mexican rule. The other options, such as no slavery, speaking Spanish, and converting to Catholicism, were indeed requirements for settling in Texas.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo gave citizenship to this group of people who stayed in the U.S.

• Mexican People

• Native Americans

• French People

• British People

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, granted U.S. citizenship to Mexican people who remained in the territories ceded to the U.S. after the Mexican-American War, making them the correct answer.

Which U.S. president declared war against Mexico in 1846?

• Charles Bent

• James Polk

• General Kearny

• Stephen Austin

Answer explanation

James Polk was the U.S. president who declared war on Mexico in 1846, driven by the desire for territorial expansion and the annexation of Texas.

What happened to the Texans who marched to Santa Fe in 1841?

• They returned home successfully

• They surrendered to Armijo's army and were forced on a death march.

• They conquered Santa Fe

• They were welcomed by the governor

Answer explanation

The Texans who marched to Santa Fe in 1841 faced defeat when they surrendered to Armijo's army. This led to a forced march that resulted in significant hardships, rather than a successful return or conquest.

How many years after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (which gave citizenship to Mexicans living in the U.S.) did Native American's gain the ability to become U.S. citizens?

• 5 years

• 17 years

• 54 years

• 76 years

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848, granting citizenship to Mexicans. Native Americans gained U.S. citizenship in 1924, which is 76 years later.

What was the purpose of the Gadsden Purchase?

• To gain fertile land and build a transcontinental railroad.

• To establish new states.

• To acquire gold mines.

• To end the war.

Answer explanation

The Gadsden Purchase aimed to secure land for a southern route of the transcontinental railroad and to gain fertile land, making it essential for westward expansion and economic development.

What does the woman in white represent in this painting?

• Native American values.

• Manifest Destiny.

• The end of U.S. expansionism.

• Catholic values shining light on the world.