Which of the following best explains why there was confusion over the status of enslaved people in Texas?(1 point)
Responses
There were more free Black people in Texas than enslaved Black people.
There were more free Black people in Texas than enslaved Black people.
Mexican law and Mexican policy contradicted each other.
Mexican law and Mexican policy contradicted each other.
Most Anglo-American settlers were in favor of the abolition of slavery, but the government of Mexico was not.
Most Anglo-American settlers were in favor of the abolition of slavery, but the government of Mexico was not.
Mexican law allowed slavery in a variety of circumstances.
Mexican law allowed slavery in a variety of circumstances.
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Mexican law allowed slavery in a variety of circumstances.
The best explanation for the confusion over the status of enslaved people in Texas is that Mexican law and Mexican policy contradicted each other.
To determine which of the following best explains the confusion over the status of enslaved people in Texas, we need to evaluate each option and consider their explanations.
1. "There were more free Black people in Texas than enslaved Black people."
This option suggests that the confusion arose because the number of free Black people in Texas was higher than the number of enslaved Black people. However, it does not directly address the conflicting status of enslaved individuals in Texas.
2. "Mexican law and Mexican policy contradicted each other."
This option highlights the contradiction between Mexican law and policy, which could have led to confusion over the status of enslaved people. It implies that there might have been conflicting legal interpretations or inconsistent enforcement.
3. "Most Anglo-American settlers were in favor of the abolition of slavery, but the government of Mexico was not."
This option suggests that the disagreement between Anglo-American settlers and the Mexican government regarding the abolition of slavery contributed to confusion over the status of enslaved people. It points to differing perspectives between different groups.
4. "Mexican law allowed slavery in a variety of circumstances."
This option indicates that Mexican law allowed for slavery in certain situations, implying that the confusion may have arisen from uncertainties about the specific circumstances under which slavery was permitted.
Considering these options, the one that provides the most comprehensive explanation for why there was confusion over the status of enslaved people in Texas is option 2: "Mexican law and Mexican policy contradicted each other." The conflict between Mexican law and policy suggests that different interpretations or enforcement practices could have contributed to the confusion.