ACTUAL 2025 AQA A-LEVEL HISTORY Component 2J America: A Nation Divided, c1845–1877
Question Paper & Mark Scheme (Merged) Friday 6 June 2025 [VERIFIED]
IB/G/Jun25/G4005/E9 7042/2J
, 2
Section A
Answer Question 01.
Source A
From an article ‘Annexation’ in a pro-Democratic magazine by John O’Sullivan, July
1845. John O’Sullivan was an influential pro-Democratic writer.
It is time now for opposition to the admission of Texas to cease, so as not to further agitate the
waters of bitterness and strife amongst Americans. Texas is now ours. If we hadn’t successfully
claimed it, we would have limited our potential greatness and failed in fulfilling our Manifest
Destiny to take over the continent allotted by Providence for the development of our growing
population and our way of government. There is no foundation in the accusation that the 5
admission of Texas was a pro-slavery measure.
There are many areas in Texas where slavery cannot exist. There are complaints about Texas
becoming a new slave state, but no complaints about the far more rapid growth of states in the
free West, as these fine regions are overspread with European migrants settling there. Texas has
10
been absorbed into the Union in order to accommodate our growing population and allow it to
expand westwards. There can be no doubt that Texas was part of our country’s Manifest
Destiny.
Source B
From a speech to Congress by President James K Polk, May 11 1846. Congress
declared war on the Republic of Mexico two days later.
The strong desire to establish peace with Mexico on honourable terms, and the readiness of our
government to adjust our western boundaries on fair, just principles, which would lead to
friendly relations, led me last September to seek the reopening of diplomatic relations between
the two countries. Every measure adopted on our part with the intention of annexing California
and New Mexico. Although our diplomatic mission went to Mexico by agreement between the 5
two governments, with the friendliest of intentions, our mission has failed. The Mexican
Government not only refused to receive our ambassador or listen to his proposals, but after a
series of menaces the Mexicans have invaded our territory and shed the blood of our fellow-
citizens on our own soil. 10
I recommend to Congress the immediate sending of a large and overpowering armed force to
Mexico. I also declare that it is my desire not only to end hostilities speedily, but to bring all
matters in dispute between this Government and Mexico to an early and friendly conclusion.
IB/G/Jun25/7042/2J
, 3
Source C
From a speech to the House of Representatives by Congressman David Wilmot, 8 February
1847. David Wilmot was a Democrat from Pennsylvania.
Mr Speaker. The issue is whether or not slavery shall be allowed to spread to new and distant
regions, where presently the footprint of a slave cannot be found. Sir, I was in favour of the
annexation of Texas. The Democratic Party, almost to a majority, was in favour of annexing
Texas. However, in the case of more Mexican territory, shall further concessions be made by
5
the North? Shall we give up free territory and the potential spread of free labour? Sir,
Northern treasure is being exhausted and Northern blood poured upon Mexico. We are told
that California and New Mexico are won by our armies. They are free from slavery, but shall
they remain free? This is the issue. The South contend that they have the right to take and
hold slaves in this acquired land. 10
Unless the Proviso I have offered is adopted by the House, the South will do so. Shall the
South be permitted to wrestle these provinces from Northern freemen? This is the issue.
0 1 With reference to these sources and your understanding of the historical context, assess
the value of these three sources to an historian studying disputes over westward
expansion, in the years 1845 to 1848.
[30 marks]
Turn over for Section B
IB/G/Jun25/7042/2J Turn over ►
Question Paper & Mark Scheme (Merged) Friday 6 June 2025 [VERIFIED]
IB/G/Jun25/G4005/E9 7042/2J
, 2
Section A
Answer Question 01.
Source A
From an article ‘Annexation’ in a pro-Democratic magazine by John O’Sullivan, July
1845. John O’Sullivan was an influential pro-Democratic writer.
It is time now for opposition to the admission of Texas to cease, so as not to further agitate the
waters of bitterness and strife amongst Americans. Texas is now ours. If we hadn’t successfully
claimed it, we would have limited our potential greatness and failed in fulfilling our Manifest
Destiny to take over the continent allotted by Providence for the development of our growing
population and our way of government. There is no foundation in the accusation that the 5
admission of Texas was a pro-slavery measure.
There are many areas in Texas where slavery cannot exist. There are complaints about Texas
becoming a new slave state, but no complaints about the far more rapid growth of states in the
free West, as these fine regions are overspread with European migrants settling there. Texas has
10
been absorbed into the Union in order to accommodate our growing population and allow it to
expand westwards. There can be no doubt that Texas was part of our country’s Manifest
Destiny.
Source B
From a speech to Congress by President James K Polk, May 11 1846. Congress
declared war on the Republic of Mexico two days later.
The strong desire to establish peace with Mexico on honourable terms, and the readiness of our
government to adjust our western boundaries on fair, just principles, which would lead to
friendly relations, led me last September to seek the reopening of diplomatic relations between
the two countries. Every measure adopted on our part with the intention of annexing California
and New Mexico. Although our diplomatic mission went to Mexico by agreement between the 5
two governments, with the friendliest of intentions, our mission has failed. The Mexican
Government not only refused to receive our ambassador or listen to his proposals, but after a
series of menaces the Mexicans have invaded our territory and shed the blood of our fellow-
citizens on our own soil. 10
I recommend to Congress the immediate sending of a large and overpowering armed force to
Mexico. I also declare that it is my desire not only to end hostilities speedily, but to bring all
matters in dispute between this Government and Mexico to an early and friendly conclusion.
IB/G/Jun25/7042/2J
, 3
Source C
From a speech to the House of Representatives by Congressman David Wilmot, 8 February
1847. David Wilmot was a Democrat from Pennsylvania.
Mr Speaker. The issue is whether or not slavery shall be allowed to spread to new and distant
regions, where presently the footprint of a slave cannot be found. Sir, I was in favour of the
annexation of Texas. The Democratic Party, almost to a majority, was in favour of annexing
Texas. However, in the case of more Mexican territory, shall further concessions be made by
5
the North? Shall we give up free territory and the potential spread of free labour? Sir,
Northern treasure is being exhausted and Northern blood poured upon Mexico. We are told
that California and New Mexico are won by our armies. They are free from slavery, but shall
they remain free? This is the issue. The South contend that they have the right to take and
hold slaves in this acquired land. 10
Unless the Proviso I have offered is adopted by the House, the South will do so. Shall the
South be permitted to wrestle these provinces from Northern freemen? This is the issue.
0 1 With reference to these sources and your understanding of the historical context, assess
the value of these three sources to an historian studying disputes over westward
expansion, in the years 1845 to 1848.
[30 marks]
Turn over for Section B
IB/G/Jun25/7042/2J Turn over ►
