Question

Which of the following summarizes the causes of the Mexican-American War?

In 1845, The United States annexed Texas, thereby incorporating it into the Union and declaring war on Mexico.

Western expansion appealed greatly to the American people, and the government was eager to secure more land.

Mexico refused to sell California and the New Mexico territories to the United States.

The potential trade routes of the Rio Grande appealed to many southern states, and President Polk needed further public support.

Answer 1

The causes of the Mexican-American War were the annexation of Texas, desire for western expansion, Mexico's refusal to sell territory, and the importance of trade routes and public support.

Step-by-step explanation:

The causes of the Mexican-American War can be summarized as follows:

1. Annexation of Texas: In 1845, the United States annexed Texas and admitted it to the Union. This action led to tensions between the U.S. and Mexico over the border.
2. Desire for Western Expansion: The American government and people were eager for westward expansion and the acquisition of more land.
3. Mexico's refusal to sell territory: Mexico refused to sell California and the New Mexico territories to the United States, which added to the tensions.
4. Trade routes and public support: The potential trade routes of the Rio Grande appealed to many southern states, and President Polk needed further public support for the war.

Answer 2

Western expansion appealed greatly to the American people, and the government was eager to secure more land.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Mexican-American War wasn't ignited by a single spark, but by a confluence of factors. While Texas's annexation fueled tensions, the war's roots primarily lay in America's insatiable appetite for westward expansion and its clash with Mexico's reluctance to sell territory, particularly California and New Mexico. Though Rio Grande trade and Polk's political needs added fuel, the driving force was the fervent desire for land and the resulting friction with Mexico.