What was the primary cause of the Mexican-American War?(1 point)
Responses
Economic disagreements over trade policies
Economic disagreements over trade policies
Desire to acquire Mexican territory for the expansion of the United States
Desire to acquire Mexican territory for the expansion of the United States
Cultural conflicts between Mexican and American settlers
Cultural conflicts between Mexican and American settlers
Disputes over the border between Texas and Mexico
Desire to acquire Mexican territory for the expansion of the United States
The primary cause of the Mexican-American War was the desire to acquire Mexican territory for the expansion of the United States.
The primary cause of the Mexican-American War was the desire to acquire Mexican territory for the expansion of the United States. To understand this, it is important to look at the historical context leading up to the war.
In the early 1800s, Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the newly formed nation included territories that are now part of present-day southwestern United States, including California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.
During this time, the United States saw westward expansion as a way to fulfill its Manifest Destiny, which was the belief that it was destined to expand its territory across the entire North American continent. This expansion was driven by various factors, including economic interests, the desire for more land for agriculture and settlement, and the belief in the superiority of American values and institutions.
One of the main points of contention between the United States and Mexico was the disputed border between Texas and Mexico. Texas had been a Mexican territory, but a large number of American settlers had moved to Texas, establishing their own government and eventually declaring independence in 1836. The United States recognized Texas as an independent state and later annexed it as a new state in 1845. However, Mexico still claimed Texas as its own territory and disputed the border, leading to tensions between the two nations.
In addition to the border dispute, economic disagreements over trade policies also played a role in the lead-up to the war. Mexico implemented trade restrictions, such as high tariffs, that were seen as detrimental to American economic interests. This further fueled the desire of some Americans to acquire Mexican lands to gain control over trade routes and resources.
Cultural conflicts between Mexican and American settlers also contributed to the underlying tensions between the two nations. The differences in language, religion, and societal norms sometimes led to clashes and misunderstandings, further straining the relationship between Mexico and the United States.
In summary, while economic disagreements, cultural conflicts, and border disputes were contributing factors, the primary cause of the Mexican-American War was the desire of the United States to expand its territory and acquire Mexican lands.