Evaluate the causes of the Mexican–American War (1846–1848).

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the causes of the Mexican–American War. The war between Mexico and the US took place between 1846 and 1848. As short-term causes, candidates may evaluate the attack carried forward by Mexico against a group of US soldiers in a disputed zone under the command of General Z Taylor. Candidates may also evaluate the role played by Texas after gaining its independence from Mexico in 1836 and the beginning of its annexation to the US. Candidates may also evaluate Mexico’s rejection of President Polk’s offer to purchase California and New Mexico, which resulted in the movement of US troops between the Rio Grande and Nueces River. Candidates may also evaluate President Polk’s support for the idea of “manifest destiny” that proposed the expansion of the US across the continent to the Pacific Ocean as an impulse to the war. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The evaluation of the causes of the Mexican–American War (18461848) produced a few acceptable but not outstanding responses with limited detail in knowledge and limited breadth.