a it united different cultural groups living in Western areas
b it intensified the debate over the expansion of slavery
c it created a temporary southern border
d it led to the development of canal systems to move goods
The correct answer is b) it intensified the debate over the expansion of slavery. The Mexican Cession, which occurred in 1848 as a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, involved the United States acquiring a large amount of territory from Mexico, including what is now California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. The acquisition of this territory raised questions about whether or not slavery would be allowed in these newly acquired areas. This further intensified the ongoing debate over the expansion of slavery, as it brought the issue into focus once again as new territories were being incorporated into the United States.
