Apentix/AP US History/Unit 5: Period 5 (1844-1877)/Question
AP US Historymediummcq1 pt

Which of the following best explains the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846?

A.Polk ordered troops into the disputed strip between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande, where clashes with Mexican forces followed
B.Mexico invaded California and seized American settlers there
C.The United States demanded the return of Louisiana from Mexico
D.Mexican forces shelled the port of New Orleans

Explanation

Core Concept

Mexico still regarded Texas as its territory and treated the Rio Grande boundary as illegitimate. After the skirmish, Polk asked Congress to declare that war existed “by the act of Mexico itself.”

Correct Answer

APolk ordered troops into the disputed strip between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande, where clashes with Mexican forces followed

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