Mexican War and Slavery Issues

The lecture by Dr. W discusses the aftermath of the Mexican War, focusing on territorial gains, the impact on Mexicans in newly acquired territories, and the political ramifications leading to the Civil War. The Wilmot Proviso, which proposed banning slavery in new territories, sparked significant debate. The lecture also highlights the challenges faced by Mexicans, including voting and land rights, and their resistance through labor strikes and mutual aid societies. The discussion concludes with the political tensions over slavery that contributed to the Civil War.

What was one of the significant outcomes of the Mexican War?

• The beginning of the American Revolution

• The loss of Texas to Mexico

• The end of slavery in the United States

• The acquisition of the southwestern United States

How did the Mexican War affect Mexicans living in the newly acquired territories?

• They were immediately granted full citizenship rights

• They were welcomed and integrated into American society

• They faced criticism and restrictions on voting rights

• They were given large land grants

What role did Mexicans typically have in the post-war economy?

• They were primarily educators and scholars

• They were primarily landowners and business leaders

• They were often laborers in agriculture and railroads

• They were elected to political offices

What was the purpose of the mutual aid societies established by Mexicans?

• To promote Mexican independence

• To negotiate trade agreements with the U.S.

• To offer financial and social support to members

• To provide military training

What was the Wilmot Proviso?

• A law to increase taxes on imported goods

• A treaty to end the Civil War

• A proposal to annex Canada

• A measure to ban slavery in territories acquired from Mexico

How did the Wilmot Proviso impact Congress?

• It caused significant debate and division

• It was unanimously accepted

• It was ignored and had no impact

• It led to the immediate end of slavery

What was one of the main arguments of the Whig Party regarding new territories?

• To expand slavery into all new territories

• To keep existing boundaries and improve current lands

• To annex all of Mexico

• To sell new territories to foreign countries

What was John C. Calhoun's view on slavery?

• Slavery should be limited to the southern states

• Slavery should be decided by international law

• Slavery should be allowed everywhere as a right

• Slavery should be abolished immediately

What was one proposal for determining the status of slavery in new territories?

• Abolishing slavery nationwide

• Extending the Missouri Compromise line

• Allowing only Congress to decide

• Leaving the decision to the President

What was a significant factor leading to the Civil War?

• The discovery of gold in California

• The debate over the extension of slavery into new territories

• The annexation of Canada

• The election of George Washington