Polk's Expansion and the Mexican War

The video explores the events leading to the Mexican-American War, focusing on President Polk's ambitions and strategies. It covers the context of 1845, the Texas-Mexico conflict, and the border dispute. Polk's tactics to provoke Mexico into war and the subsequent congressional debate are highlighted.

What humorous activity does the teacher refuse to do for students?

• Write their essays

• Round up their grades

• Answer Star Trek questions

• Perform a TikTok dance

What was President James K. Polk's belief that justified his territorial ambitions?

• Federalism

• Monroe Doctrine

• Manifest Destiny

• Isolationism

Why did Texas and Mexico have a conflict?

• Texas wanted independence from Mexico

• Texas was unhappy with Mexican rules

• Mexico wanted to annex Texas

• Mexico wanted to sell Texas to the U.S.

What was the main issue with the territory between Texas and Mexico?

• It was already owned by the U.S.

• It was uninhabitable

• It was disputed land

• It was rich in resources

How did Polk plan to provoke Mexico into war?

• By annexing California

• By negotiating with European powers

• By sending soldiers into disputed territory

• By declaring war directly

What event gave Polk the excuse to go to war with Mexico?

• The Thornton Affair

• The Gadsden Purchase

• The Alamo

• The Battle of San Jacinto

What was Polk's justification to Congress for sending troops to the disputed territory?

• To negotiate peace

• To expand U.S. territory

• To protect American citizens

• To find gold

What was Charles Sumner's view on Polk's actions?

• He believed it was a ploy to expand slavery

• He supported Polk's expansionist policies

• He was indifferent to the war

• He thought it was a defensive measure

What did Polk claim Mexico did to justify war?

• Refused to sell California

• Declared war on the U.S.

• Shed American blood on American soil

• Invaded Texas

What was the outcome of Polk's speech to Congress?

• Congress negotiated peace with Mexico

• Congress impeached Polk

• Congress refused to declare war

• Congress declared war on Mexico