"Mexico Will Poison Us": War of Conquest, the Compromise, and Kansas-Nebraska - Class 10

Explore the complex dynamics of American expansionism, slavery, and political compromise in this 58-minute lecture from Yale University's DeVane Lecture Series. Delve into the controversial Mexican-American War, its impact on the slavery debate, and the subsequent political maneuvering that led to the Compromise of 1850 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Examine how these events intensified sectional tensions and set the stage for the Civil War. Analyze the role of manifest destiny, territorial expansion, and the fear of "Mexican poison" in shaping American politics and society during this pivotal period. Consider how these historical events continue to influence contemporary discussions on race, immigration, and national identity in the United States.