Question

One reason that the Mexican-American War was not justified is that it contributed to the spread of slavery. Many Americans at the time thought that spreading slavery was the purpose of the war. Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison commented that, “It is certainly not a popular war…its real object, the extension and preservation of slavery, no intelligent man honestly doubts…” (1847). At a time when national tensions were growing over the question of slavery, expanding the number of slave states and territories was certain to cause trouble.
Which of the following would be the most logical addition to this paragraph?(1 point)
Responses

a quote from President Polk, stating that the real reason for the war was to defend American sovereignty
a quote from President Polk, stating that the real reason for the war was to defend American sovereignty

information about how many Americans at the time opposed the war and how many supported it
information about how many Americans at the time opposed the war and how many supported it

a quote from Ulysses S. Grant, giving his opinion that the war was an unjust attempt to get more land
a quote from Ulysses S. Grant, giving his opinion that the war was an unjust attempt to get more land

information showing how much slavery spread as a result of territory gained during the war

Answer 1

The most logical addition to the paragraph would be:

**information showing how much slavery spread as a result of territory gained during the war.**

This addition would directly support the argument that the Mexican-American War contributed to the spread of slavery and would provide concrete evidence to strengthen the claim made in the paragraph.