Choose FIVE out of eight optional questions to answer. Responses should be around 3-5 sentences in length, typed and single-spaced. Explain what the spoils system is and its significance to American politics during and after the Jackson administration. Explain why slavery was a rich man’s industry. Make sure to note how many Southerners actually owned slaves, and further how many actually owned plantations. Explain the various ways used by the South to justify slavery.

QUESTION

Choose FIVE out of eight optional questions to answer. Responses should be around 3-5 sentences in length, typed and single-spaced.

• Explain what the spoils system is and its significance to American politics during and after the Jackson administration.
• Explain why slavery was a rich man’s industry. Make sure to note how many Southerners actually owned slaves, and further how many actually owned plantations.
• Explain the various ways used by the South to justify slavery.
• Explain why Americans wanted to expanded westward.
• Explain the significance of the Mexican-American War on American history.
• Explain the significance of the Nullification Crisis and how it related to the overall debate in the United States regarding the powers of the federal government.
• Explain the basic ways how the system of checks and balances works in the American government.
• Explain the Founding Father’s reasoning to have an Electoral College ultimately choose the president.

ANSWER

The Significance of the Mexican-American War on American History

Introduction

The Mexican-American War, fought between 1846 and 1848, holds immense significance in shaping American history. This conflict resulted in the acquisition of vast territories, redefined national boundaries, and ignited debates surrounding slavery and the balance of power in the United States. In this essay, we will explore the far-reaching impacts of the Mexican-American War and its lasting effects on American society and politics.

Expansion of American Territory

The Mexican-American War led to the acquisition of substantial territories that reshaped the geography of the United States. Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, Mexico ceded territories including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming (The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, 2022). This expansion significantly increased the size of the United States, providing fertile land, valuable resources, and potential economic opportunities.

Intensification of Slavery Debate

The acquisition of new territories through the Mexican-American War heightened tensions between the North and the South regarding the expansion of slavery. The issue of whether these territories would be slave or free became a central point of contention, exacerbating the divide between abolitionist sentiments in the North and pro-slavery sentiments in the South. These debates ultimately contributed to the eruption of the Civil War in 1861.

Shift in Balance of Power

The Mexican-American War also sparked debates surrounding the balance of power between the federal government and the states. The question of whether the newly acquired territories should allow slavery or not raised concerns about the extent of federal authority over the states’ rights (“Compromise of 1850 – Summary, Significance & Facts,” 2009). This issue became intertwined with the broader national debate on the limits of federal power and the relationship between the states and the central government.

Impact on U.S.-Mexican Relations

The Mexican-American War strained relations between the United States and Mexico for many years. The loss of vast territories deeply wounded Mexican pride and fueled resentment towards the United States (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, n.d.). The aftermath of the war saw a strained relationship between the two countries, which had repercussions on diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties.

Military Leadership and National Identity

The Mexican-American War played a pivotal role in shaping military leadership and fostering a sense of national identity within the United States. Future American leaders, such as Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, gained valuable military experience during the war, which later influenced their roles in the Civil War. Furthermore, the war contributed to the forging of a distinct American identity, as soldiers fought together under the banner of a unified nation.

Conclusion

The Mexican-American War had profound and lasting effects on American history. It expanded the territorial boundaries of the United States, heightened the tensions surrounding slavery, triggered debates on federal power, strained U.S.-Mexican relations, and shaped military leadership and national identity. Understanding the significance of this conflict allows us to grasp the complexities and enduring legacies that continue to shape the United States today.

References

Compromise of 1850 – Summary, Significance & Facts. (2009, October 27). HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/slavery/compromise-of-1850 

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Mexican-American War | Causes and Effects. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/Causes-and-Effects-of-the-Mexican-American-War 

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. (2022, June 9). National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/guadalupe-hidalgo#:~:text=The%20Treaty%20of%20Guadalupe%20Hidalgo%2C%20that%20brought%20an%20official%20end,the%20advance%20of%20U.S.%20forces.