Question

Based on their arguments in the excerpts, Giddings would likely agree with and Whitman would likely disagree with which of the following claims about the causes of the Mexican-American War?


The United States sought the repayment of Mexican debts.

Option A,The United States sought the repayment of Mexican debts.

a

Mexico had killed Americans during a previous conflict in Texas.

Option B,Mexico had killed Americans during a previous conflict in Texas.

b

The United States desired to expand slavery to Mexican territory.

Option C,The United States desired to expand slavery to Mexican territory.

c

Mexico had sent soldiers across the southern border of the United States.

Option D,Mexico had sent soldiers across the southern border of the United States.

d

Answer 1

Option C.

Giddings (an abolitionist critic) argued the war was driven by a slaveholding desire for new territory, while Whitman’s argument in the excerpt treats other motives (honor/manifest destiny/border incidents) and rejects the view that the war was primarily to expand slavery.