Mexican-American War Key Concepts

What was President James K. Polk's primary motivation for expanding the United States?

• To establish new trade routes with Asia.

• To fulfill the concept of Manifest Destiny, spreading the U.S. from coast to coast.

• To acquire new territories for agricultural development.

• To prevent European powers from colonizing North America.

Why was Texas's annexation into the United States delayed after it gained independence from Mexico?

• The U.S. was concerned about the cost of integrating Texas.

• There was a debate over whether Texas would enter the Union as a slave state or a free state.

• Texas preferred to remain an independent republic for a longer period.

• Great Britain opposed the annexation of Texas by the U.S.

What event directly led to the United States Congress declaring war on Mexico in May 1846?

• Mexico's refusal to sell its northern territories to the U.S.

• The U.S. annexation of Texas, which Mexico considered an act of war.

• Mexican cavalry attacking U.S. soldiers in a disputed zone along the Rio Grande.

• General Zachary Taylor's capture of Monterey.

Which of the following was a significant factor contributing to the United States' success in the Mexican-American War?

• Superior Mexican military leadership and strategy.

• The U.S. military's advanced artillery and well-trained officers.

• Widespread support for the war among the Mexican populace.

• Mexico's strong financial position and stable government.

What was the leading cause of death for U.S. soldiers during the Mexican-American War?

• Combat wounds sustained in battle.

• Starvation due to inadequate supply lines.

• Diseases such as dysentery and yellow fever.

• Exposure to harsh environmental conditions.

What was the fate of the young cadets known as "Los Niños Héroes" who refused to retreat during the Mexican-American War?

• They were captured and imprisoned.

• They successfully defended the castle and survived.

• They were killed in battle.

• They were pardoned by the American forces.

Why did diplomat Nicholas Trist refuse President Polk's order to return to Washington during the peace negotiations?

• He believed he was close to finalizing a treaty.

• He was secretly working for the Mexican government.

• He feared being punished for his previous actions.

• He wanted to personally lead the American forces.

Which of the following present-day U.S. states was NOT part of the territory ceded by Mexico in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

• California

• Florida

• New Mexico

• Nevada

What was the primary goal of the Wilmot Proviso introduced to Congress during the Mexican-American War?

• To establish new trade routes with Mexico.

• To ban slavery in any territories acquired from Mexico.

• To provide financial aid to Mexico.

• To declare war on Great Britain.

Why did the U.S. and Mexico go to war?

• All of these answers are correct
• The U.S. and Mexico disagreed over their boundary
• America's continued desire to achieve manifest destiny
• The U.S. recently annexed Texas