Instructional Video

The Mexican-American War

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Why did America engage in the Mexican-American war? A history video explains the new country's desire to expand to the west coast—and, after Mexico's 1848 surrender, how it doubled in size overnight.

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Instructional Ideas
  • Show at the beginning of a unit on the Mexican-American War
  • Have learners watch the video independently, then discuss key points with a partner or small group before sharing with the class
Classroom Considerations
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Pros
  • Informative but brief enough to be a good lesson supplement
  • Explains the conflict in context of Manifest Destiny and westward movement in America
Cons
  • None