Mexican-American War and Texas Revolution

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary reason for President Polk's order to send Winfield Scott's forces inland from Vera Cruz?

To provide humanitarian aid to Mexican citizens suffering from a cholera outbreak.
To secure California before other nations could claim it.
To establish a naval blockade and cut off Mexican trade routes.
To pressure the Mexican government into negotiating after previous attempts had failed. (correct)

Which of the following best describes the significance of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

It formally recognized Texas as an independent republic, resolving border disputes.
It initiated a program of economic aid from the United States to help Mexico rebuild after the war.
It established a joint U.S.-Mexican commission to oversee immigration policies.
It marked the end of the Mexican-American War and confirmed the annexation of Texas and cession of vast territories to the U.S. (correct)

What territories did the United States gain as a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

Florida, Louisiana, and Arkansas
Texas, Oregon, and Washington
Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado
California, New Mexico, and Texas (correct)

Which event directly preceded the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

The occupation of Mexico City by American forces (D) Signup and view all the answers

What action by the Mexican government triggered Polk to order troops to march inland from Vera Cruz?

The continued refusal to negotiate with the United States. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most directly spurred American interest in the annexation of California during the 1840s?

The established presence and economic activities of American settlers and traders. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the issue of slavery contribute to the Texas Revolt?

Mexico's abolition of slavery clashed with the American settlers' desire to maintain slavery. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Mexican government's policies in the 1820s and 1830s regarding American settlement in Texas contribute to the Texas Revolt?

The policies initially encouraged American settlement but later restricted it, leading to discontent. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the objectives of Stephen Austin and the American settlers in Texas leading up to the Texas Revolt?

To seek greater autonomy within Mexico while maintaining economic ties. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What symbolic element in John Gast's 1872 painting most directly represents the concept of 'Manifest Destiny'?

The 'star of empire' worn by the central female figure. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Richard Henry Dana's Two Years Before the Mast in relation to westward expansion?

It romanticized the California territory for prospective annexers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

John Gast's painting presents a particular view of westward expansion. Which important aspect of the depicted relationship is notably absent?

The resistance and conflict from Native American tribes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did economic factors influence the relationships between American settlers and the Tejano population in Texas?

Economic collaboration created alliances between some Tejanos and American traders, fostering support for greater autonomy. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the opening of the Santa Fe Trail in 1821 primarily impact New Mexico?

It decreased trade with the rest of Mexico and increased commerce with the United States. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Mexican government annulling existing land contracts and barring future emigration from the United States?

It directly incited the Texas Revolt as the settlers demanded greater autonomy. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Mexican government's 1834 decision to dissolve mission landholdings in California affect the existing social structure?

It consolidated land ownership into the hands of a new class of Mexican cattle ranchers, the Californios. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation for Moses Austin's initial request for a land grant in Texas from the Mexican government?

To colonize the region with Americans for economic development. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of westward expansion, what distinguished the settlement of Oregon from the acquisition of Mexican territories?

Oregon's settlement did not directly raise the issue of slavery, while the acquisition of Mexican territories did. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary motivation behind Mexico's decision to dissolve the mission landholdings in California in 1834?

To reduce the Church's power and attract more settlers to California. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Californios primarily define their cultural identity in relation to the surrounding population?

By distinguishing themselves from the surrounding Indian population. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What key factor contributed to the shift in New Mexico's economic orientation towards the United States in the early 19th century?

The opening of the Santa Fe Trail, linking New Mexico with Independence, Missouri. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Treaty signed in February 1848 ending the Mexican-American War, confirming U.S. annexation of Texas, and ceding California and New Mexico.

Winfield Scott

U.S. Army General who led American forces to capture Mexico City in the Mexican-American War.

Annexation of Texas

The incorporation of Texas into the United States, which was a major point of conflict leading to the Mexican-American War.

Mexican-American War

Conflict between the U.S. and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily over Westward expansion and Texas borders.