Beyond the Alamo: Unraveling the Mexican-American War

Dive deeper than the Alamo with this engaging Mexican-American War reading comprehension worksheet!

Students will become history detectives, uncovering the causes, battles, and lasting impact of this pivotal conflict. They'll grapple with:

• Road to War: Analyze the events that led to the clash between the United States and Mexico.
• A Soldier's Story: Unravel the hardships faced by Mexican troops through a primary source.
• Victory and Defeat: Explore the turning points of the war and its territorial consequences.
• A Legacy that Endures: Evaluate the long-term impact on both nations.

Sharpen essential reading skills with a variety of questions:

• Multiple Choice: Test core factual knowledge.
• Matching: Connect terms with their definitions.
• Fill-in-the-Blank: Solidify essential details and chronology.
• Short Answer: Encourage analysis, synthesis, and evaluation using a primary source excerpt.

Answer Key included for easy assessment!

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to explain the key causes of the Mexican-American War.
• Students will be able to identify major battles and turning points in the war.
• Students will be able to analyze the experiences of soldiers on both sides through a primary source.
• Students will be able to evaluate the short-term and long-term consequences of the war for the United States and Mexico.

Recommended Common Core Standards:

• RI.5.1: Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says or when analyzing its content.
• RI.5.2: Determine the central ideas or author's purpose of a text and explain how it is supported by key details.
• RI.5.3: Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a text.
• RI.5.6: Analyze the author's point of view in a text and distinguish it from the narrator's or character's point of view.

Review:
This reading comprehension worksheet provides a comprehensive overview of the Mexican-American War, moving beyond the popular narrative of the Alamo. Students will explore:

• The complex events leading up to the war, including the Texas Revolution, the annexation of Texas by the United States, and the dispute over the Texas-Mexico border.
• The military campaigns of the war, highlighting significant battles and the advantages held by the American forces.
• A firsthand account from a Mexican soldier's letter, offering a glimpse into the struggles and morale of the Mexican army.
• The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and its lasting impact, including the vast territorial gains for the United States and the devastating consequences for Mexico.