The Mexican-American War: Causes and Consequences

The Mexican-American War: Causes and Consequences

Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful responses. Use your knowledge of U.S. History to answer the questions about the Mexican-American War.

1. Which concept is most closely associated with the territorial expansion of the United States during the 1840s, leading up to the Mexican-American War?

2. The primary dispute that led to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War concerned:

3. The Treaty of   officially ended the Mexican-American War on February 2, 1848.

4. As a result of the war, Mexico ceded vast territories to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and  .

5. President James K. Polk was a strong advocate for territorial expansion and played a key role in initiating the Mexican-American War.

6. The Wilmot Proviso, though unsuccessful, proposed that slavery should be allowed in all territories acquired from Mexico.

7. Describe two significant causes of the Mexican-American War.

8. Explain the impact of the Mexican Cession on the debate over slavery in the United States.

9. Refer to the map below showing territorial changes after the Mexican-American War.

Based on the map, identify one major territorial acquisition by the United States as a result of the war and briefly explain its significance.

Match each term on the left with its correct description on the right.