War with Mexico and Texas Independence
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Questions and Answers

What significant political change happened following the death of William Henry Harrison?

  • The Missouri Compromise was immediately revised.
  • John Tyler, a former Democrat, became president. (correct)
  • The Whig party became more unified.
  • The vetoing of the Bank of the United States bill was successful.

    • What action did John Tyler take to address his political isolation?

  • He joined the Democratic Party.
  • He resigned prior to the 1844 election.
  • He stepped down from the presidency.
  • He focused on foreign affairs. (correct)

    • Why was the initial treaty for the annexation of Texas rejected?

  • There was a lack of support from Great Britain.
  • Both Whigs and Democrats opposed it due to slavery concerns. (correct)
  • Tyler's negotiation strategies were viewed as ineffective.
  • The Mexican government approved the annexation.

    • What method did Tyler ultimately use to achieve the annexation of Texas?

    <p>A joint resolution of Congress. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue did Henry Clay and Martin Van Buren agree to avoid during the 1844 presidential campaign?

    <p>Expansion and slavery. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which political party did John Tyler align with during his presidency?

    <p>Whigs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterized the election of 1844 in terms of party strategy?

    <p>Candidates avoided key issues like expansion and slavery. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary route taken by the pioneer families traveling to the Oregon Country?

    <p>Along the Platte River and through the Rocky Mountains (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What prompted the beginning of the war with Mexico under President Polk?

    <p>Disputed boundaries after the annexation of Texas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event directly followed the failure of John Slidell's mission to Mexico City?

    <p>Fighting commenced around Matamoros (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the Bear Flag Revolt?

    <p>It represented a failed attempt at California's independence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which major U.S. city was noted for having the finest natural harbor on the Pacific coast during the period leading up to the war with Mexico?

    <p>San Francisco (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the U.S. general that commanded troops into the newly annexed Texas?

    <p>Zachary Taylor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What year did President Polk declare war against Mexico?

    <p>1846 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary motivation behind the U.S. interest in California during this period?

    <p>The quality of its natural harbor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did President Polk take after the outbreak of hostilities with Mexico?

    <p>He sent a war message to Congress (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which year marked the beginning of American settlement in the Oregon Country?

    <p>1841 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary goal of President Polk regarding the Mexican War?

    <p>To acquire new territories for the United States (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which American military leader became a national hero due to victories in northern Mexico?

    <p>Zachary Taylor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

    <p>Mexico ceded lands that included New Mexico and California (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy did Colonel Stephen Kearny employ in New Mexico during the war?

    <p>He proclaimed New Mexico as American territory with little resistance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What financial compensation did the United States agree to pay under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

    <p>$15 million for the new territory and $3 million for debts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the Battle of Buena Vista?

    <p>It was a crucial win for American forces under Taylor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did President Polk utilize Santa Anna during the war?

    <p>He allowed Santa Anna to return to Mexico to negotiate peace (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What prompted the shift in the main theater of war to Mexico City?

    <p>General Winfield Scott's strategic directive (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which area was NOT included in the lands ceded by Mexico according to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

    <p>Florida (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key event marked the end of the fighting between the United States and Mexico?

    <p>The fall of Mexico City (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What notion underpins the expansionist doctrine of manifest destiny?

    <p>Racial superiority of the Anglo-Saxon race (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following benefits was NOT claimed by proponents of manifest destiny?

    <p>Increased tariffs on imports (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the idea of manifest destiny appeal to both supporters and opponents of slavery?

    <p>Both groups sought to increase territory for different reasons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the major philosophical underpinnings of manifest destiny according to O'Sullivan?

    <p>The idea of divine providence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which geographic areas did antislavery advocates primarily support adding to the Union under manifest destiny?

    <p>California and Oregon (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did O'Sullivan suggest was the ultimate goal of manifest destiny?

    <p>To expand American democracy and governance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the belief that it was America's divine right to expand its territory?

    <p>Manifest destiny (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the economic advantages cited by manifest destiny proponents for expansion?

    <p>Establishment of new trade routes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary issue did Mexico face after gaining independence from Spain in 1821?

    <p>Deciding on a form of government structure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which provision was required of American settlers moving to Texas under Mexican policy?

    <p>They must convert to Catholicism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What contributed to the growth of the American population in Texas by 1830?

    <p>Governments grants and land incentives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did the Mexican Congress take in response to the growing American presence in Texas?

    <p>They banned slavery and prohibited further American immigration. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who seized power in Mexico in 1834 and aimed to enforce greater control over Texas?

    <p>Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the immediate consequence of General Santa Anna's policies in Texas?

    <p>A successful rebellion against Mexican authority. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary motivation for American settlers to migrate to the Oregon Country in the early 1840s?

    <p>The promise of rich farmland. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect did the influx of American settlers have on the population dynamics in Texas?

    <p>It overwhelmed the Spanish-speaking population, leading to tensions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the nature of the relationship between American settlers and Mexican authorities in Texas by the 1830s?

    <p>An escalating conflict over cultural and political differences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the significant impacts of the opening of the Oregon Trail?

    <p>It initiated a major wave of migration to the Pacific Northwest. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Manifest Destiny

    The belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent, divinely ordained to spread liberty and democracy.

    Expansionist Doctrine

    The idea that the U.S. should expand its boundaries and territory.

    Racial Superiority

    The belief that one race is inherently superior to others.

    Slavery Supporters

    Those who supported the institution of slavery.

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    Antislavery Advocates

    Opponents of slavery, who supported expansion.

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    Continental United States

    The United States encompassing the entire continent.

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    Trade with Asia

    Potential for commercial exchange with Asian nations.

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    San Francisco Bay/Puget Sound

    Strategic locations with valuable harbors for trade.

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    Mexican Independence

    Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

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    Centralist vs. Federalist

    Mexico struggled with whether to have a strong central government or more autonomous states.

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    American Settlement in Texas

    The US encouraged settlement in Mexico's northern territories, particularly Texas.

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    Tejanos

    Spanish-speaking Mexicans in Texas.

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    Empresarios

    American promoters of settlement in Texas.

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    Santa Anna's Rise

    Mexican General who seized power in 1834.

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    Texas Independence

    Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836.

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    Mexican-American War

    A conflict between Mexico and the US following the Texas independence

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    Oregon Trail

    A route used by pioneers going to the Northwest

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    American Immigration

    Migration of Americans to Mexican territories in the 1820s and 1830s.

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    Oregon Trail

    A westward migration route followed by thousands of Americans to the Oregon Country between 1841 and 1845.

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    Mexican-American War

    A conflict between the United States and Mexico fought between 1846 and 1848, primarily over the annexation of Texas and disputed border territories.

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    Zachary Taylor

    U.S. General who commanded troops in the Mexican-American War.

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    Manifest Destiny

    Belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent.

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    Bear Flag Revolt

    A short-lived American uprising in California in 1846 that declared California independent from Mexico.

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    San Francisco Port

    Valuable harbor on Pacific Coast, wanted by U.S.

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    John Slidell

    Polk's emissary to Mexico, meant to negotiate the purchase of New Mexico and California.

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    Texas Annexation

    The U.S. Congress formally approved the addition of Texas to the U.S.

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    Rio Grande River

    Disputed border between U.S. and Mexico, central to war's origin.

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    Oregon Country

    Region in the Pacific Northwest, targeted for U.S. control.

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    Tyler's Foreign Policy Shift

    John Tyler, facing political opposition at home, focused on foreign policy, particularly the annexation of Texas, after resigning most of his cabinet.

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    Webster-Ashburton Treaty

    A successful 1842 treaty with Britain that encouraged Tyler to pursue Texas annexation.

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    Texas Annexation Treaty Rejection

    The 1844 treaty to annex Texas was rejected by the Senate due to strong opposition from Whigs and Democrats.

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    Polk's Election and Expansionism

    James K. Polk's election in 1844 on an expansionist platform shifted public opinion towards annexation.

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    Joint Resolution for Annexation

    Congress passed a joint resolution in 1845 to annex Texas, requiring only simple majorities.

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    Election of 1844

    The election in 1844 saw Henry Clay (Whig) and Martin Van Buren (Democrat) as top contenders, both initially opposing immediate Texas annexation.

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    Tyler's Domestic Policy Conflicts

    Tyler's vetoes of legislation regarding the Bank of the United States and tariffs created significant political opposition within his own party.

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    Polk's California Claim

    President Polk ordered the Pacific fleet to claim California as US territory during the Mexican War.

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    New Mexico's Annexation

    Colonel Kearny simply declared New Mexico US territory in 1846.

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    Taylor's Victories

    General Taylor won battles at Palo Alto and Monterrey, becoming a hero.

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    Buena Vista Battle

    Santa Anna's forces were defeated by Taylor at Buena Vista in 1847.

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    Scott's Mexico City Campaign

    General Scott led the campaign against Mexico City in 1847.

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    Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

    Treaty ending the Mexican-American War, ceding territory to the US.

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    Mexican Cession

    Lands ceded by Mexico to US following the war.

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    War's Financial Settlement

    US paid Mexico for territory gained, covering debt claims.

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    War's Impact

    Major territorial expansion for US, reshaping national politics.

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    Importance of early victories

    Early victories, before Scott, gave US an advantage early on.

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    Study Notes

    Mexican Borderlands and Oregon, War with Mexico, Politics of Expansion

    • Mexico's independence (1821) caused internal conflict between centralist and federalist governments
    • Northern Mexican provinces (Texas to California) were sparsely populated and difficult to defend
    • Mexico encouraged American settlement and trade in these areas, attracted by rich farmland in Oregon Country
    • American settlement in Texas grew rapidly in the 1830s, with entrepreneurs (empresarios) like Stephen F. Austin encouraging immigration, predominantly by southern farmers attracted by cheap land for cotton cultivation
    • By 1830, over 20,000 Americans plus thousands of slaves lived in Texas

    Texas's Independence

    • General Antonio López de Santa Anna seized power in Mexico (1834) and attempted to exert control over Texas, leading to conflict
    • Texans declared independence (March 2, 1836) but suffered a devastating defeat at the Alamo
    • Texans continued fighting for independence, with a pivotal victory at the Battle of San Jacinto (April 21, 1836), leading to Santa Anna's surrender and Texas's recognition as an independent republic
    • Mexico initially refused to accept Texas's independence, continuing border disputes (Nueces River vs. Rio Grande)

    New Mexico and California

    • Mexico opened Santa Fe (1821) to US trade, fostering the Santa Fe Trail
    • American traders and settlers ventured into California, initially attracted to trade, with hide and tallow as major commercial ties
    • American settlers in California encountered disagreements with Mexican government
    • The opening of the California Trail (the expansion of routes through the Sierra Nevada and into the Sacramento Valley) facilitated American settlement, particularly in the 1840s

    War with Mexico

    • Texas annexation by the US caused diplomatic strain with Mexico
    • Polk attempted to purchase New Mexico and California from Mexico, with proposals rejected
    • Fighting began in April 1846 near the Rio Grande, leading to formal declaration of war in May 1846
    • War in California was initiated by the Bear Flag Revolt (June 1846)
    • The capture of Mexico City ended the Mexican-American War in 1847

    Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

    • Treaty signed in 1848 that ended the war, with Mexico ceding vast territories including present-day California, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming to the US
    • The US paid $15 million to Mexico plus assumed Mexican debt

    Politics of Expansion

    • American domestic issues (especially bank policies and tariffs) dominated politics during the 1820s-1830s
    • Foreign policy issues like expansion emerged as a central theme in the 1840s, driven by factors including manifest destiny
    • Tyler (Harrison's VP) pursued an expansionist agenda in his brief presidency, including Texas annexation efforts

    The Election of 1844

    • The election of Polk signaled a shift towards expansionist politics

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    Description

    This quiz covers the historical events surrounding the Mexican Borderlands, the war with Mexico, and the struggle for Texas's independence. It highlights key figures such as Santa Anna and the impact of American settlers in Texas and Oregon. Test your knowledge on this crucial period of expansion in the United States.

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