Which of the following helps to identify why President James Polk asked for a declaration of war against Mexico?(1 point)
Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836.Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836.Mexican troops were sent across the Rio Grande.Mexican troops were sent across the Rio Grande.Zachary Taylor crossed the Nueces River.Zachary Taylor crossed the Nueces River.Polk believed in Manifest Destiny.Polk believed in Manifest Destiny.
Polk believed in Manifest Destiny.
What did Mexico recognize as the border with Texas?(1 point)
Mexico recognized the Nueces River as the border with Texas.
the Arkansas Riverthe Arkansas Riverthe Rio Grandethe Rio Grandethe Mississippi Riverthe Mississippi Riverthe Nueces River
Mexico recognized the Rio Grande as the border with Texas.
To identify why President James Polk asked for a declaration of war against Mexico, we can analyze the given options and look for the most relevant information.
First, it is important to note that President Polk did indeed seek a declaration of war against Mexico. Now let's consider the options in order to determine which one directly relates to this cause:
1) Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836.
This event alone does not explain why President Polk sought war. While Texas did declare independence from Mexico, this occurred several years prior to Polk's presidency and therefore is not the cause of his request for a declaration of war.
2) Mexican troops were sent across the Rio Grande.
This option suggests that Mexico took hostile actions by sending troops across the Rio Grande, which serves as the border between Mexico and the United States. Such an act may have been viewed as an invasion or a direct threat to American territory.
3) Zachary Taylor crossed the Nueces River.
This statement indicates that Zachary Taylor, a prominent American general under the command of Polk's administration, crossed the Nueces River. The Nueces River is considered by Mexico to be the border between Texas and Mexico, whereas the United States perceives the Rio Grande as the boundary. Therefore, Taylor's crossing of the Nueces River could be seen as a provocation by Mexico.
4) Polk believed in Manifest Destiny.
Manifest Destiny was an American belief in the 19th century that its settlers were destined to expand across the continent. While this belief may have influenced Polk's decisions, it does not explicitly explain why he sought a declaration of war against Mexico.
Considering the information provided, the options that directly correspond to President Polk's request for a declaration of war against Mexico are "Mexican troops were sent across the Rio Grande" and "Zachary Taylor crossed the Nueces River." Either one or both of these actions could have contributed to Polk's decision.