Causes of War
What is the belief that the United States was destined by God?
Manifest Destiny
Who was the Mexican general and political leader who was defeated at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836 and again during the Mexican-American War?
Santa Anna
What is the name of the territory that the United States gained from Mexico through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?
Mexican Cession
In what year was the Gadsden Purchase finalized between the United States and Mexico?
1854
Which political party, led by Henry Clay, opposed the Mexican-American War and questioned President Polk's methods?
The Whig Party
In what year did the United States annex Texas, angering the Mexican government?
1845
What U.S. general led troops across the Rio Grande upon Polk's order and won several early battles against Mexican forces?
Zachary Taylor
How much money did the United States pay Mexico as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?
$15 million
How much money did the United States agree to pay Mexico for the Gadsden Purchase?
$10 million
What two rivers formed the disputed territory that became a catalyst for war between the U.S. and Mexico?
Nueces and Rio Grande
Which American general invaded Mexico at Vera Cruz and led troops all the way to Mexico City, capturing the capital?
Winfield Scott
What 1854 agreement between the U.S. and Mexico provided land for a southern transcontinental railroad and involved a $10 million payment?
Gadsden Purchase
What two present-day U.S. states were primarily affected by the Gadsden Purchase?
Arizona and New Mexico
Which president campaigned at the time of this war?
James K. Polk
Who was the president at the time?
James K. Polk
Which present-day states were primarily included in the Mexican Cession gained by the U.S. after the war? (Name at least 2)
California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona and New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming
What was the primary reason the United States wanted to acquire the land included in the Gadsden Purchase
The Southern Transcontinental Railroad
What was President Polk's strategy when he ordered General Zachary Taylor to advance troops to the Rio Grande, knowing Mexico claimed that territory?
Forced Mexico to attack first so he could claim America was defending itself.
What U.S. general led troops into New Mexico in August 1846, capturing Santa Fe without a single casualty?
Stephen Kearny
According to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, what was the new southern border of the United States?
Rio Grande River