Review the Hexagonal Thinking: Expansion & Division diagram in Step 1 of this question and locate the graphic pointing to "Connection #3". For this pair of connected hexagons, describe the connection between them. In 5-7 sentences, explain how Andrew Jackson relates to the Mexican War. Is it a cause-and-effect relationship? Are they part of the same historical event or process? Do they share common characteristics or themes? Refer back to specific events, individuals, or historical developments to support your explanation.

Answer 1

Andrew Jackson and the Mexican War, while separated by a few years in terms of direct involvement, are interconnected through themes of expansionism and nationalism that defined American policy in the 19th century. Jackson, as a prominent figure of early American democracy, championed the idea of Manifest Destiny—the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the North American continent. His presidency (1829-1837) was marked by policies that promoted westward expansion, such as the Indian Removal Act, which facilitated the acquisition of land that would later become part of Mexico.

The Mexican War (1846-1848) can be seen as a direct extension of Jacksonian ideology, as it embodied the aggressive pursuit of territorial acquisition and national sovereignty. The sentiments surrounding this conflict were heavily influenced by the legacy of Jackson's actions and his vision for a greater America. Consequently, while there isn’t a strict cause-and-effect relationship, Jackson’s policies laid the groundwork for a national appetite for expansion that fueled the Mexican War.

Both Jackson and the war reflect a period of heightened national ambition and a willingness to assert American interests, even at the expense of other nations and indigenous peoples. The consequences of these actions were profound, leading to significant territorial gains, but also to contentious debates about slavery and the rights of Native Americans, themes that would resonate throughout American history.