Question

Read the information below:

During the 1820s and 1830s, many people settled in Texas and California. The territories were part of Mexico. Some thought that the United States should annex those territories. The territories were soon independent of Mexico. They became part of the United States.

Which of the following is supported directly by this passage?

Mexico and the United States agreed on all national boundaries.
Mexico did not have very tight control over its northern territories in California and Texas.
Texas and California asked for U.S. military aid from Mexico.
Texas and California were only sparsely populated before the 1820s.

Answer 1

The passage directly supports the idea that Mexico had loose control over its northern territories, as Texas and California became independent and then were annexed by the United States despite being part of Mexico.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage supports the assertion that Mexico did not have very tight control over its northern territories in California and Texas. This is demonstrated by the fact that many people settled in these territories during the 1820s and 1830s, and despite the territories being officially a part of Mexico, they eventually became independent and subsequently were annexed by the United States. Furthermore, the passage indicates that the settlers and American expansionists had goals at odds with Mexico's sovereignty, such as the declaration of Texas's independence, and President Polk's desire to acquire additional Mexican lands, ultimately leading to the Mexican-American War and the significant loss of Mexican territory.