Question

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 an army into the disputed territory, knowing the army would be attacked by a mexican army.	〇	〇
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.	〇	〇

Explanation:

1. Sending explorers to incite a violent rebellion in Mexican territory is a provocative act intended to escalate tensions and start a conflict.
2. Deploying an army into disputed territory with the expectation of an attack is a deliberate provocation to trigger a war.
3. Sending a negotiator to peacefully resolve the dispute and attempt a territorial purchase is a diplomatic action to avoid war.

Answer:

1. 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.
2. 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.
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.