The Mexican-American War and the California Gold Rush

What event marked the beginning of the Mexican-American War?

• The annexation of Texas

• Mexican troops firing on U.S. soldiers

• The U.S. Congress declaring war

• Negotiations over land sales

Which river did President Polk consider as the official border between the U.S. and Mexico?

• Mississippi River

• Nueces River

• Rio Grande

• Colorado River

What was President Polk's main reason for provoking Mexico into war?

• To control the silver mines

• To expand U.S. territory

• To help Texas gain independence

• To gain diplomatic respect

Who was the U.S. President during the Mexican-American War?

• James K. Polk

• Abraham Lincoln

• Andrew Jackson

• Theodore Roosevelt

Which river was considered by Mexico as the true border with the U.S. before the war?

• Amazon River

• Mississippi River

• Rio Grande

• Nueces River

What was the main reason Mexico cut diplomatic ties with the U.S. in 1845?

• Political instability in Mexico

• U.S. military presence in disputed territories

• Annexation of Texas by the U.S.

• Disagreements over trade tariffs

Who was the U.S. Congressman sent to negotiate with Mexico before the war?

• John Slidell

• Henry Clay

• John C. Calhoun

• Daniel Webster

What strategy did James K. Polk use to provoke Mexico into starting the war?

• Diplomatic insults

• Military positioning

• Economic sanctions

• Naval blockade

Which battle did General Zachary Taylor lead that was crucial early in the war?

• Battle of Buena Vista

• Battle of the Alamo

• Battle of San Jacinto

• Battle of Palo Alto

Which territory was not annexed by the U.S. as a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

• California

• Nevada

• Florida

• Utah