Students in Mr. Tesoriero's 11th grade US History classes spent several days researching the causes of the Mexican-American War. With that, they analyzed speeches by President Polk, Representative Giddings, Sam Houston, and many others. Students questioned the annexation of Texas and explored significant events, including the Alamo. In addition, students looked at various perspectives to determine whether the United States should have gone to war with Mexico, and if it was a "just" war or fought for ulterior motives. Students then split up into teams and fiercely debated this topic in front of the class.