answersLogoWhite

0

Some proponents argued in favor of annexing all of Mexico (they were known as the "All Mexico Movement"); however the vast majority were against, due to the fact that by annexing Mexico, the United States would have had to grant US citizenship to millions of Mexicans. This was badly seen, due to racist reasons. Senator John Calhoun of South Carolina made these views clear in a speech to Congress on January 4, 1848:

We have never dreamt of incorporating into our Union any but the Caucasian race---the free white race. To incorporate Mexico, would be the very first instance of the kind, of incorporating an Indian race; for more than half of the Mexicans are Indians, and the other is composed chiefly of mixed tribes. I protest against such a union as that! Ours, sir, is the Government of a white race.... We are anxious to force free government on all; and I see that it has been urged ... that it is the mission of this country to spread civil and religious liberty over all the world, and especially over this continent. It is a great mistake.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

How did Henry clay and James Polk differ on annexation?

Henry Clay and James Polk had fundamentally different views on the annexation of Texas. Clay, while initially supportive of annexation, became cautious due to concerns about the potential for war with Mexico and the expansion of slavery. In contrast, Polk was a strong proponent of annexation, viewing it as essential for fulfilling America's manifest destiny and was willing to risk conflict with Mexico to achieve it. This difference in approach reflected their broader political philosophies and priorities regarding expansionism and slavery in the United States.


Why did clay think annexation would lead to war?

Clay believed that annexing Texas would lead to war primarily due to the contentious issue of slavery. The addition of Texas as a slave state would upset the delicate balance between free and slave states, heightening tensions between the North and South. Moreover, the annexation could provoke Mexico, which still considered Texas a part of its territory, potentially leading to military conflict. Clay's concerns reflected the broader anxieties of the era regarding expansion and its implications for sectional strife.


What did Henry clay think about the annexation of Texas?

Henry Clay was initially ambivalent about the annexation of Texas. While he recognized the potential benefits of expansion, he also expressed concerns about the implications for slavery and the potential for conflict with Mexico. In the 1844 presidential campaign, he sought to balance these issues by advocating for a cautious approach to annexation, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the consequences. Ultimately, his stance reflected a desire to avoid exacerbating sectional tensions in the United States.


Why was Henry Clay against the annexation of Texas?

Because he thought that it would unbalance the north and the south


Why did Henry Clay think annexation would promote peace?

Answer: Polk believed that taking over Texas would promote peace because it would mean there would be no more disputes between Texas and the other states. And the annexation (taking over) of Texas would mean that Texas would not join a foreign nation that may cause harm to the U.S.


Why did senator clay oppose annexation?

Senator Henry Clay opposed the annexation of Texas primarily due to concerns over the expansion of slavery and its implications for national unity. He believed that annexation could exacerbate regional tensions between free and slave states, potentially leading to civil conflict. Additionally, Clay was wary of the potential for increased conflict with Mexico, which still considered Texas its territory. His vision for the nation emphasized cautious expansion and maintaining a delicate balance between competing interests.


Why did clay and Van Buren wish to avoid taking a stand on the annexation of Texas?

Clay and Van Buren tried to not take a stand on the annexation of Texas because they didn't want to jeopardize their chance for being presidential candidate for their party.


What was Henry clay stand on Texas statehood?

Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman, initially opposed the immediate annexation of Texas, fearing it would exacerbate sectional tensions over slavery. He believed that admitting Texas as a slave state could lead to conflict with Mexico and further division between free and slave states. However, he later supported a compromise approach, advocating for a gradual annexation process that would maintain national unity. Ultimately, his cautious stance reflected his broader commitment to preserving the Union amidst growing sectional divides.


James Polk and the Democrats favored the annexation of which state?

Democrat James K. Polk defeated Whig Henry Clay in a close contest turning on the controversial issues of the annexation of the Republic of Texas.


What can hold more water clay or sand?

I would think clay because it has more density water would go right through sand :)


36 clay tobacco pipe?

yes i would think so!


Can clay be used to make kettles?

I think so but it would be better to make a container because clay is an insulator and it would take a long time to heat something up