Texas Independence and Expansion: Key Events and Consequences in 19th Century America

The video explores the westward expansion of the United States in the 19th century, focusing on the annexation of Texas, the Mexican-American War, and the acquisition of territories through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Gadsden Purchase. It discusses the political and social issues surrounding these events, including the concept of Manifest Destiny and the impact of slavery. The video concludes with a brief mention of the Oregon Country, setting the stage for future lessons.

What was a key reason for the Texas Independence Movement?

• Search for gold

• Desire for more local control and slavery

• Need for more agricultural land

• Conflict with Native American tribes

What was one of the main concerns about annexing Texas?

• It might be seen as stealing by Mexico

• It would lead to war with Canada

• It would cause a gold rush

• It would lead to a famine

What was the idea of Manifest Destiny?

• The belief that U.S. expansion was divinely ordained

• The belief that the U.S. should focus on industrialization

• The belief that the U.S. should remain isolated

• The belief that the U.S. should form alliances with Europe

What was President Polk's strategy to provoke a conflict with Mexico?

• He sent troops to California

• He declared war without provocation

• He sent troops to the disputed Nueces Strip

• He offered to buy Florida

What event gave the U.S. forces a reason to attack the Pacific coast?

• The Oregon Trail

• The Louisiana Purchase

• The Gold Rush

• The Bear Flag Revolt

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

• Mexico gained new territories

• The U.S. returned Texas to Mexico

• The U.S. ceded land to Mexico

• Mexico ceded over half its territory to the U.S.

Which states were included in the Mexican Cession?

• California, Nevada, Utah

• New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

• Florida, Georgia, Alabama

• Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas

What was the purpose of the Gadsden Purchase?

• To acquire land for a southern railroad

• To settle disputes with Canada

• To expand into the Oregon Territory

• To purchase Alaska

Why did most politicians oppose annexing the entire country of Mexico?

• Concerns over cultural and linguistic differences

• Desire to focus on the East Coast

• Lack of military resources

• Fear of economic collapse

What was the main reason for the U.S. to engage in the Mexican-American War?

• To spread democracy in Europe

• To establish trade routes with Asia

• To expand U.S. territory westward

• To gain control of Canada