You are writing a paragraph to argue that the United States was not justified in going to war with Mexico in 1846.

Here is your paragraph draft so far:

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.

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

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

3 answers

The most logical addition to the paragraph would be a quote from Ulysses S. Grant, giving his opinion that the war was an unjust attempt to get more land. This reinforces the argument that the war was not justified by providing a perspective from a prominent military figure who later became a president, underscoring the sentiment that the war was driven by motives contrary to the interests of justice and equality. Grant's viewpoint adds weight to the contention that the conflict was primarily about land acquisition, potentially for the expansion of slavery, aligning with the theme of your paragraph.

that is- INCORRECT!!!

I apologize for the oversight. Upon reevaluating the options, the best choice to strengthen your argument would be information showing how much slavery spread as a result of territory gained during the war. This type of information would provide concrete evidence of the war's impact on the spread of slavery, directly supporting your claim that the war was not justified. Thank you for your patience, and I appreciate your understanding.