Did You Know? In 60 Seconds: Spot Resolutions

In 1847, during his term in the House of Representatives, Abraham Lincoln questioned President James K. Polk's justification for the Mexican-American War. The conflict arose over the location of American troops when they engaged Mexican forces, with the U.S. claiming the Rio Grande as the border, while Mexico claimed it was the Nueces River. Lincoln introduced resolutions to determine if the war was justified, focusing on whether American blood was shed on American soil.

What was Abraham Lincoln's main concern regarding President Polk's justification for the Mexican-American War?

• The economic impact of the war

• The length of the war

• Whether American blood was shed on American soil

• The involvement of European powers

Which river did the United States claim as the border between Mexico and Texas?

• Nueces River

• Rio Grande

• Colorado River

• Mississippi River

According to Mexico, where was the border between Mexico and Texas?

• Red River

• Rio Grande

• Nueces River

• Missouri River

What did Lincoln introduce to address the issue of the disputed territory?

• A peace treaty

• Eight resolutions

• A military strategy

• A trade agreement

What was the purpose of Lincoln's eight resolutions?

• To determine if the site of conflict was American soil

• To establish the legitimacy of the war

• To declare war on Mexico

• To negotiate a peace settlement