Manifest Destiny and the US-Mexico War: Choices and Consequences

In 1848, after the US defeated Mexico, it annexed territories but did not take all of Mexico. The war began due to unclear borders after Texas was annexed. President Polk faced dilemmas over how much land to take, with issues like slavery, cultural differences, and practicality influencing decisions. Some argued for full annexation for financial and strategic reasons, but Nicholas Trist negotiated a lesser treaty, believing America couldn't be both a republic and an empire. Despite desires for more land, the US only annexed part of Mexico.

What event led to the start of the US-Mexico War?

• The annexation of California

• The unclear borders after Texas was annexed

• The discovery of gold in Mexico

• A trade dispute over cotton

What was one of the main domestic issues President Polk faced regarding the annexation of Mexican territories?

• The economic downturn in the US

• The opposition from European countries

• The lack of military resources

• The potential expansion of slavery

What was one reason President Polk had to compromise on the annexation of Mexican territories?

• His party had lost the midterms and the Whig party controlled the house

• He wanted to focus on domestic economic issues

• He was pressured by European allies

• He was concerned about the environmental impact

What was a concern among US politicians regarding the annexation of Mexican territories?

• The possibility of a volcanic eruption

• The influx of Spanish-speaking, non-white Catholics

• The potential for increased trade with Europe

• The lack of natural resources in the territories

Why did some Americans oppose the annexation of all of Mexico?

• They were concerned about European intervention

• They believed Mexico had no valuable resources

• They wanted to focus on annexing Canada

• They feared a long and costly guerrilla war

What was one argument made by those who supported the annexation of all of Mexico?

• It would lead to a peaceful resolution

• It would provide access to southern ports

• It would prevent European colonization

• It would reduce taxes in the US

What was one of the financial arguments for annexing all of Mexico?

• The northern regions had abundant gold reserves

• The southern regions were more arable and could support agriculture

• The annexation would reduce national debt

• The annexation would lead to lower taxes

Who was Nicholas Trist and what role did he play in the US-Mexico War?

• A journalist who reported on the war

• A diplomat who negotiated a lesser settlement

• A politician who opposed the war

• A general who led the US army to victory

Why did Nicholas Trist negotiate a lesser settlement despite being fired?

• He wanted to gain favor with the Mexican government

• He believed in the financial benefits of a smaller annexation

• He opposed the war and believed America couldn't be both a republic and an empire

• He was promised a position in the Mexican government

What was the outcome of the US-Mexico War in terms of territorial annexation?

• The US annexed all of Mexico

• The US annexed only the northern territories

• The US and Mexico formed a joint government

• The US returned all territories to Mexico