“Yes: Mexico must be thoroughly chastised [punished]! Let our arms now be carried with a spirit which shall teach the world that…America knows how to crush, as well as how to expand!” (Walt Whitman, 1846)

Question

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1 point
Mexico invaded the United States and killed its citizens. Mexico started the war.
The United States wanted to teach Mexico a lesson and show the whole world that the U.S. could not be bullied.

Answer 1

The quote from Walt Whitman reflects the sentiment at the time regarding the ongoing conflict between the United States and Mexico. It suggests that the U.S. wanted to assert its strength and demonstrate its ability to respond forcefully. This aligns with the idea that the United States aimed to teach Mexico a lesson and show the world that it could not be bullied. So, the correct interpretation would be: "The United States wanted to teach Mexico a lesson and show the whole world that the U.S. could not be bullied."