APUSH Period 5 Mexican American War
39 flashcards covering APUSH Period 5 Mexican American War for the AP-US-HISTORY Period 5 (1844–1877) section.
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) is a significant event in APUSH Period 5, which spans from 1844 to 1877, as defined by the College Board's AP United States History curriculum. This conflict arose from territorial disputes following the U.S. annexation of Texas and was marked by key battles and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which resulted in the U.S. acquiring vast territories in the West, including California and New Mexico.
On practice exams and competency assessments, questions about the Mexican-American War often focus on its causes, key figures, and consequences. Common question formats include multiple-choice questions that require students to analyze primary sources or interpret historical maps. A frequent pitfall is overlooking the war's impact on sectional tensions and the debate over slavery, which can lead to confusion in understanding its broader implications in American history.
Remember that recognizing the war's role in exacerbating sectional divisions is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of the period.
Terms (39)
- 01
What was a primary cause of the Mexican-American War?
A primary cause of the Mexican-American War was the U.S. annexation of Texas in 1845, which Mexico considered part of its territory despite the Texas Revolution. This conflict over territorial claims escalated tensions between the two nations (College Board AP CED).
- 02
What was the significance of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the Mexican-American War and resulted in Mexico ceding a significant portion of its northern territory to the U.S., including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Utah, and Nevada (College Board AP CED).
- 03
How did the Mexican-American War impact U.S. territorial expansion?
The Mexican-American War significantly expanded U.S. territory, fulfilling the concept of Manifest Destiny by adding over 500,000 square miles of land to the United States (College Board AP CED).
- 04
What was the Wilmot Proviso and its relevance to the Mexican-American War?
The Wilmot Proviso was a legislative proposal aimed at banning slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico, highlighting the sectional tensions over slavery that intensified after the Mexican-American War (College Board AP CED).
- 05
Which U.S. President was in office during the Mexican-American War?
James K. Polk was the U.S. President during the Mexican-American War, advocating for expansion and the annexation of Texas (College Board AP CED).
- 06
What role did the concept of Manifest Destiny play in the Mexican-American War?
Manifest Destiny was the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across North America, which justified the war with Mexico and the subsequent territorial acquisitions (College Board AP CED).
- 07
What was the main outcome of the Mexican-American War for Mexico?
The main outcome for Mexico was the loss of about half of its territory, which was ceded to the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (College Board AP CED).
- 08
How did the Mexican-American War affect the debate over slavery in the U.S.?
The Mexican-American War intensified the debate over slavery as new territories raised questions about whether they would permit slavery, leading to increased sectional conflict (College Board AP CED).
- 09
What was the main military strategy used by the U.S. during the Mexican-American War?
The U.S. employed a strategy of rapid invasion and occupation of key territories, including the capture of Mexico City, which was pivotal to their victory (College Board AP CED).
- 10
Which battle is often considered the turning point of the Mexican-American War?
The Battle of Buena Vista in 1847 is often considered a turning point, where U.S. forces, led by General Zachary Taylor, successfully defended against a larger Mexican army (College Board AP CED).
- 11
What was the Gadsden Purchase and its significance?
The Gadsden Purchase in 1853 involved the U.S. buying land from Mexico to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad, further illustrating U.S. expansionist goals post-war (College Board AP CED).
- 12
What was one effect of the Mexican-American War on U.S. politics?
The Mexican-American War exacerbated sectional divisions within the U.S., contributing to the rise of the Republican Party and the eventual Civil War (College Board AP CED).
- 13
Who was the commander of U.S. forces in Mexico City during the war?
General Winfield Scott was the commander of U.S. forces during the campaign that captured Mexico City, a decisive moment in the war (College Board AP CED).
- 14
What was the impact of the Mexican-American War on Native American populations?
The Mexican-American War led to further displacement and marginalization of Native American populations as U.S. expansion continued into the newly acquired territories (College Board AP CED).
- 15
What was the role of Stephen Kearny in the Mexican-American War?
Stephen Kearny played a crucial role by leading U.S. forces in the conquest of New Mexico and California during the Mexican-American War (College Board AP CED).
- 16
How did the Mexican-American War influence U.S.-Mexico relations in the long term?
The Mexican-American War created a legacy of distrust and tension in U.S.-Mexico relations, affecting diplomatic interactions for decades (College Board AP CED).
- 17
What was the significance of the Bear Flag Revolt?
The Bear Flag Revolt in 1846 was a rebellion by American settlers in California against Mexican rule, contributing to the U.S. claim over California during the Mexican-American War (College Board AP CED).
- 18
How did the Mexican-American War contribute to the sectional conflict in the U.S.?
The territorial gains from the Mexican-American War heightened tensions between the North and South over the expansion of slavery, leading to increased sectional conflict (College Board AP CED).
- 19
What was the role of the press during the Mexican-American War?
The press played a significant role in shaping public opinion about the war, often framing it as a noble cause for expansion and democracy (College Board AP CED).
- 20
What was one reason for opposition to the Mexican-American War in the United States?
Opposition to the Mexican-American War stemmed from concerns that it would expand slavery into new territories, leading to increased sectional tensions (College Board AP CED).
- 21
How did the Mexican-American War affect the status of slavery in the U.S.?
The war and subsequent territorial acquisitions intensified the debate over the extension of slavery, culminating in significant political conflict in the 1850s (College Board AP CED).
- 22
What was the significance of the Battle of Chapultepec?
The Battle of Chapultepec was significant as it led to the fall of Mexico City to U.S. forces, marking a decisive victory in the Mexican-American War (College Board AP CED).
- 23
What was the impact of the Mexican-American War on American military strategy?
The Mexican-American War provided valuable military experience for U.S. officers, many of whom would later serve in the Civil War, influencing future military strategies (College Board AP CED).
- 24
What was the main argument of those who supported the Mexican-American War?
Supporters argued that the war was necessary for fulfilling Manifest Destiny and expanding the U.S. territory and influence (College Board AP CED).
- 25
What was the role of John C. Frémont in the Mexican-American War?
John C. Frémont played a key role as a military leader in the Bear Flag Revolt and later in the U.S. military campaigns in California (College Board AP CED).
- 26
What was one consequence of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo for the U.S.?
One consequence was the significant expansion of U.S. territory, which raised new questions about the status of slavery in these areas (College Board AP CED).
- 27
How did the Mexican-American War affect the abolitionist movement?
The war galvanized the abolitionist movement by highlighting the moral implications of expanding slavery into new territories (College Board AP CED).
- 28
What was the impact of the Mexican-American War on the California Gold Rush?
The Mexican-American War set the stage for the California Gold Rush by establishing U.S. control over California, leading to a massive influx of settlers (College Board AP CED).
- 29
What was the significance of the 1848 election in relation to the Mexican-American War?
The 1848 election was significant as it reflected the divisions over the war and the issue of slavery in the newly acquired territories (College Board AP CED).
- 30
What was the role of the U.S. Navy in the Mexican-American War?
The U.S. Navy played a crucial role by blockading Mexican ports and supporting land operations, facilitating U.S. military success (College Board AP CED).
- 31
What was the impact of the Mexican-American War on the political landscape of the U.S.?
The war reshaped the political landscape by intensifying debates over slavery and leading to the emergence of new political parties (College Board AP CED).
- 32
What was the significance of the phrase '54°40' or Fight!'?
The phrase '54°40' or Fight!' was a slogan used by expansionists advocating for U.S. claims to the Oregon Territory, reflecting the broader context of Manifest Destiny during the era (College Board AP CED).
- 33
What was the main argument of those who opposed the Mexican-American War?
Opponents argued that the war was an unjust aggression against Mexico and a means to expand slavery, violating democratic principles (College Board AP CED).
- 34
What was the impact of the Mexican-American War on U.S. foreign policy?
The war marked a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards more aggressive expansionism, setting a precedent for future interventions in Latin America (College Board AP CED).
- 35
What was the role of the military in the U.S. victory in the Mexican-American War?
The U.S. military's effective strategies, superior resources, and leadership were critical in achieving victory over Mexican forces during the war (College Board AP CED).
- 36
How did the Mexican-American War influence American nationalism?
The war fueled a sense of nationalism and pride in American military power and territorial expansion, reinforcing the idea of Manifest Destiny (College Board AP CED).
- 37
What was the impact of the Mexican-American War on the U.S. economy?
The war contributed to economic growth by opening new markets and resources in the acquired territories, particularly in agriculture and mining (College Board AP CED).
- 38
What was one long-term effect of the Mexican-American War on Mexico?
One long-term effect was the destabilization of Mexico, leading to internal conflicts and struggles for power in the years following the war (College Board AP CED).
- 39
What was the significance of the phrase 'Manifest Destiny' during the Mexican-American War?
The phrase 'Manifest Destiny' encapsulated the belief that U.S. expansion was both justified and inevitable, serving as a rallying cry for supporters of the war (College Board AP CED).