Mexican-American War Key Concepts

The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico over territorial disputes. The war began in 1846 due to disagreements over borders, with President Polk advocating for war to acquire California. Opposition arose from anti-slavery groups fearing the expansion of slavery into new territories. Key battles occurred in California, leading to the Treaty of Cahuenga, which ended fighting there. The war concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, resulting in Mexico ceding significant land to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, and Utah.

What was one of the main reasons for the conflict between the United States and Mexico?

• Religious conflicts

• Cultural differences

• Disagreements over trade policies

• Disagreements about borders

Why were some groups in the United States opposed to the war with Mexico?

• They thought it was an excuse to take land

• They were concerned about environmental impacts

• They believed it would lead to higher taxes

• They feared it would damage international relations

What was President Polk's primary goal in going to war with Mexico?

• To establish a trade agreement

• To acquire California

• To form an alliance with Mexico

• To end slavery

Who was in charge of the United States Navy ships along the Pacific coast during the war?

• General Kearney

• Commodore Stockton

• Commodore Sloat

• John C. Fremont

What was the significance of the Treaty of Cahuenga?

• It was a trade agreement

• It ended fighting in California

• It ended the war entirely

• It started the war

What did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo result in?

• Mexico ceding land to the United States

• A new trade agreement

• Mexico gaining new territories

• The United States losing territory

Which present-day states were included in the territory gained by the United States after the war?

• Florida, Georgia, and Alabama

• Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico

• California, Nevada, and Utah

• Oregon, Washington, and Idaho

Why did fighting in California stop before the Mexican-American War ended?

• A peace treaty was signed

• The Mexican army retreated

• A natural disaster occurred

• The United States withdrew its forces

What was the impact of the Mexican-American War on the United States?

• It improved relations with Mexico

• It caused political instability

• It resulted in territorial expansion

• It led to economic decline

Who was one of the signers of the Treaty of Cahuenga?

• James Polk

• Robert Stockton

• John C. Fremont

• Andres Pico