Question

after the u.s. annexed texas, the united states and mexico disagreed about the new boundaries. both countries claimed a large area of land on the texas-mexico border. this area was called the disputed territory. the dispute over this territory led directly to the beginning of the u.s.-mexican war.
president polk took several actions to address the boundary dispute. some of these actions suggest that polk tried to start a war with mexico, while others suggest that he wanted to avoid a war. decide whether each of the following actions shows that president polk tried to start or wanted to avoid war with mexico.

action	president polk is trying to start a war.	president polk wants to avoid a war
president polk sends a group of american explorers to the mexican territory of california to start a violent rebellion against the mexican government.
president polk sends a negotiator to mexico city to peacefully address the border dispute. the negotiator also tries to purchase the mexican territories of california and new mexico.

Explanation:

1. Sending an army into a disputed territory with knowledge it would be attacked is a provocative act intended to spark conflict.
2. Sending explorers to incite a violent rebellion in Mexican territory is an aggressive action to initiate conflict.
3. Sending a negotiator for peaceful talks and a territory purchase is a diplomatic step to avoid war.

Answer:

1. President Polk sends an army into the disputed territory, knowing the army would be attacked by a Mexican army. → President Polk is trying to start a war.
2. President Polk sends a group of American explorers to the Mexican territory of California to start a violent rebellion against the Mexican government. → President Polk is trying to start a war.
3. President Polk sends a negotiator to Mexico City to peacefully address the border dispute. The negotiator also tries to purchase the Mexican territories of California and New Mexico. → President Polk wants to avoid a war.