Study Questions
1. In 1846 New Mexico was distant from the United States, both geographically and culturally. Summarize the difficulties a traveler experienced in journeying from Missouri to New Mexico, and describe the most obvious cultural differences between the two regions. Consider particularly Susan Magoffin’s experience.
2. In what ways did Gen. Stephen Kearny attempt to persuade the people of New Mexico that he came as a liberator, not as a conqueror?
3. Why were some New Mexicans receptive to annexation by the United States, and how did they express their approval?
4. Why were some New Mexicans opposed to annexation by the United States, and how did they express their disapproval?
5. In what ways and for what reasons did American soldiers contribute to Mexican feelings for and against the occupation? Did their behavior justify President Polk’s claim that the United States intended to give the people of New Mexico “the privileges and immunities cherished by the people” of the United States?
6. Susan Magoffin sometimes treated the New Mexicans with friendship and respect, sometimes with hostility and contempt. Cite examples of each attitude and try to explain why her attitudes changed several times.
7. “Manifest destiny” is a complex idea. From your reading, how would you define it? What did it mean to Susan Magoffin? To General Kearny? To other American soldiers?
8. Was the United States justified in annexing more than half of Mexico? Did the Americans who came to New Mexico in 1846 show any respect for the residents of the region?
1. In 1846 New Mexico was distant from the United States, both geographically and culturally. Summarize the difficulties a traveler experienced in journeying from Missouri to New Mexico, and describe the most obvious cultural differences between the two regions. Consider particularly Susan Magoffin’s experience.
2. In what ways did Gen. Stephen Kearny attempt to persuade the people of New Mexico that he came as a liberator, not as a conqueror?
3. Why were some New Mexicans receptive to annexation by the United States, and how did they express their approval?
4. Why were some New Mexicans opposed to annexation by the United States, and how did they express their disapproval?
5. In what ways and for what reasons did American soldiers contribute to Mexican feelings for and against the occupation? Did their behavior justify President Polk’s claim that the United States intended to give the people of New Mexico “the privileges and immunities cherished by the people” of the United States?
6. Susan Magoffin sometimes treated the New Mexicans with friendship and respect, sometimes with hostility and contempt. Cite examples of each attitude and try to explain why her attitudes changed several times.
7. “Manifest destiny” is a complex idea. From your reading, how would you define it? What did it mean to Susan Magoffin? To General Kearny? To other American soldiers?
8. Was the United States justified in annexing more than half of Mexico? Did the Americans who came to New Mexico in 1846 show any respect for the residents of the region?