Civil War and Reconstruction, 1848–1877

It led to the collapse of the two-party system and the establishment of a multi-party democracy

It led to the rise of the Free Soil Party and increased opposition to slavery in the western territories

It had little impact on the existing political parties and their power bases

It strengthened the power of the Whig Party and weakened the Democrats

Expansion of credit and loans from banks

Sale of public lands to foreign investors

Increased tariffs on imported goods

A surplus in cotton exports

The annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845.

Cultural differences between Mexico and America.

Mexican immigration into U.S territories.

A disagreement on trade tariffs between Mexico and the U.S.

Treaty of Versailles.

Treaty of Tordesillas.

Treaty of Paris.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Abolitionism

Isolationism

Manifest Destiny

Free Trade

In both wars, America used manifest destiny or similar ideologies as justifications for expansionism.

Both wars were fought solely over economic interests in foreign lands.

Both wars were initiated due to attacks on American soil by foreign powers.

The desire to end colonization was a primary motivator in both conflicts.

It initiated economic sanctions between Mexico and the US.

It led to an immediate end to slavery in the new territories.

The United States acquired significant territory, including California and New Mexico.

Mexico became a state within the United States.

It represents an embrace of cultural diversity and international histories.

It shows a commitment to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among nations.

It demonstrates a preference for diplomatic engagements over military confrontations.

It exemplifies the belief in destined American territorial expansion and superiority.

Support for unilateral military decisions mirrors approval Polk received for bypassing Congress in some wartime measures he took.

Discussions about preemptive strikes relate back to how Polk handled disputed Texan territory before declaring war with Mexico.

Arguments defending humanitarian interventions parallel praises for America's role in shaping a new government in California then as protectorate administration now elsewhere globally

Critiques against perceived modern-day imperialism echo condemnation Polk faced for aggression viewed as an extensional pursuit rather than self-defense.

It led to the rapid expansion of telegraph lines across the continent.

It triggered advancements in agricultural machinery due to increased land.

It spurred innovation in steam-powered transportation for civilian use.

It stimulated improvements in military technology and logistics.