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U.S President James K. Polk tried to make a deal to buy the Mexican Territory. The government of Mexico refused the offer. To punish Mexico for it’s refusal the United States decided to start a war and force them to sell their land. When the war ended Mexico was forced to give up a part of their land.

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How did gaining this territory benefit the U.S.?

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How did gaining this territory benefit the U.S.?

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Many of the American people were taking the Mexicans land and they didn't like it so the “Gorras blancas” would protect the people and cut the wires taking their people land and burning down the barn of the Americans. Having this land didn’t helped them so everyone could have some.

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What were the costs of gaining this territory, for the U.S.?

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What were the costs of gaining this territory, for the U.S.?

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A war with Mexico that lead to many casualties.  Many abolitionists opposed war with Mexico because they thought it would expanded slavery, many protested against war with Mexico.

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How did U.S. acquisition of this territory impact those who already lived there?

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How did U.S. acquisition of this territory impact those who already lived there?

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The US made the inhabitants who were citizen of Mexico decide whether they should stay Mexican citizens or become American citizens.  Even though there was a treaty made at the end of the Mexican-American war that allowed the Mexicans to keep their land, it was not kept, and as a result many lost their land.

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How did the original inhabitants resist American expansion?

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How did the original inhabitants resist American expansion?

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Three brothers, Pablo, Nicolo, and Juan Jose Herrera led a resistance movement to protect half a million acres of land, by encroachment by cattle ranchers. They wore white hoods to protect their identity, and burned barns, bridges, and fences.

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Was the U.S. justified in acquiring the territory? Why or why not?

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Was the U.S. justified in acquiring the territory? Why or why not?

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No, the U.S. was not justified in acquiring this territory because they kicked the Mexican citizens out of their land, even though the U.S. government promised not to.  Also, the U.S. government tried to force the Mexican citizens to become citizens of the U.S. instead.