Question

“The Southern rebellion was largely the outgrowth of the Mexican war.”— Ulysses S. Grant
“I owe a paramount allegiance to the whole Union—a subordinate one to my own State.”— Henry Clay, 1850

Questions
According to Grant, how did the Mexican–American War contribute to later conflict between the North and South?



Why might Henry Clay believe compromise was necessary after the war ended?



Which region (North, South, or West) would be most likely to disagree with Clay’s statement? Explain why, using what you know about slavery or expansion.

use simple words and be brief

Answer 1

1) Grant: The Mexican–American War added large new lands. That forced a fight over whether slavery could spread into those lands. Those fights made North and South more angry with each other and helped cause the Civil War.

2) Clay: After the war, new territory made the country tense. Clay wanted compromise to calm things, keep the Union together, and avoid war by giving both sides some concessions.

3) Who would disagree: The South. Southern leaders put state rights and protecting slavery first. Many in the South wanted each state to decide about slavery, not the national government, so they would reject putting the Union above their state.