In 1845, the United States annexed Texas after years of debate. Many northerners worried annexation would expand slavery and increase southern political power, while many southerners supported it for economic and political reasons. Which issue most directly intensified because of Texas annexation?
- Sectional conflict over the expansion of slavery into new territories (correct answer)
- The immediate reunification of the United States with Great Britain
- The end of debates about slavery due to unanimous national agreement
- The abolition of the two-party system
- The elimination of cotton as a major export crop
Explanation: This question examines how territorial annexation intensified existing political conflicts. Texas annexation directly intensified sectional conflict over slavery's expansion into new territories, as northerners worried about increasing southern political power while southerners supported expansion for economic and political reasons. Choice B incorrectly suggests reunification with Britain. Choice C wrongly claims ending slavery debates. Choices D and E are historically inaccurate outcomes of annexation.