“The Mexican–American War (1846–1848) was mainly caused by the actions of the Mexican government.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the Mexican–American War was caused mainly by the actions of the Mexican government. Causes may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to Mexico’s internal divisions that led to the Texas independence movement (resulting in a boundary dispute as a precursor to war) and Mexico’s refusal to meet with US diplomat John Slidell which allowed US President Polk to claim that Mexico had rejected peaceful overtures. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the influence of manifest destiny sentiment in the US as a justification for war as well as Polk’s desire to serve Southern interests by the expansion of slavery into territory acquired through war with Mexico, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the Mexican-American War was caused mainly by the actions of the Mexican government.