Mexico, on achieving her independence of the Spanish Crown ... decreed the abolition of human slavery within her dominions, embracing the province of Texas..
At this period, citizens of the United States had already begun to (move) into Texas.... The idea was ... that this extensive province ought to become a part of the United States...
A current of emigration soon followed from the United States. Slaveholders crossed the Sabine (river between Louisiana and Texas) with their slaves, in defiance of the Mexican ordinance of freedom. Restless spirits, discontented at home ... joined them... The work of rebellion sped. Our newspapers excited the lust of territorial robbery in the public mind.... Certainly (Mexico) ... might justly charge our citizens with disgraceful robbery, while, in seeking extension of slavery, (our own citizens denied) the great truths of American freedom....
1. After achieving independence from Spain in 1821, did Mexico make slavery legal or illegal?
2. Sumner mentions a "disgraceful robbery." Who robbed what from whom?
3. Did Charles Sumner have the support of the people of Massachusetts? Provide evidence and explain your thinking.
4. How does this document help answer the question: Was the United States justified in going to war with Mexico?
1. After achieving independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico made slavery illegal.
2. Sumner mentions a "disgraceful robbery." The citizens of the United States robbed Texas from Mexico, while denying the great truths of American freedom.
3. Charles Sumner had the support of the people of Massachusetts. In 1851, he was elected to the United States Senate from Massachusetts, and he was re-elected in 1857. He was also a prominent member of the Free Soil Party, which was popular in Massachusetts.
4. This document helps answer the question: Was the United States justified in going to war with Mexico? It shows that the United States was not justified in going to war with Mexico, as it was engaging in a "disgraceful robbery" by attempting to annex Texas while denying the great truths of American freedom.