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President Polk declared war against Mexico after the country “threatened invasion” in Texas. This became known as the Mexican-American war, which lasted from 1846-1848. Later in February 1848, both countries signed the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo. The treaty recognized Texas as a state and sold the land (Mexican Cession) for $15 million.

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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 gold mines were located in California as well as other precious metals. This sparked the excitement of many Americans and caused them to migrate to California. In addition, this probably provided many job opportunities for mining, selling, etc.

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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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Protests began to appear on newspapers, pamphlets, and magazines. When costs and casualties were increasing, politicians who opposed the president began attacking him in which they called Mr. Pope's war.

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

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

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Mexicans were forced from their lands and their houses and had to move away. Soldiers lived in their houses now and they also had to give up their belongings to the soldiers. Some people became friends with the soldiers' leader and they got their house back and a few of their belongings but before that, they had to move away.

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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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Mexicans started to fight back once they realized their land was being taken. Three brothers named Pablo, Nicolo and Juan Jose Herrera organized a resistance group that they called “Las Gorras Blancas.” (Or in English “The White Caps.”) This wasn’t a peaceful form of protest; at night, they would tear up track, burn railroad bridges and barns, and cut miles of barbed wire. They were later arrested, but the charges against the resistance were later dismissed.

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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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They are justified in acquiring the territory because Democratic President Polk was committed to expansion and destiny. He thought it is necessary to acquire territory in order to threaten the Mexican forces. Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States. It was a duty to extend the protection over citizens of the United States.