The Mexican-American War 1846-48

A four-page Powerpoint presentation that asks students to work in groups in a “Algonquin Round Table” type format to discuss why the US-Mexican dispute erupted into war when the Oregon Territory dispute did not. Students then discuss their findings as a whole class. The exercise allows for a discussion of the time period but also an abstract debate about why and how war can be caused from political conflict. The file is easily convertible to PDF format in case you choose to use it as a handout. There is also a writing assignment included on the causes and effects of the Mexican-American War.