The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) significantly influenced the expansion of the United States and had profound implications for its future. One major factor that led to the United States' decision to go to war with Mexico was the concept of Manifest Destiny, which posited that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. However, there were a variety of political, social, and economic factors at play. Which of the following statements best captures the long-term effect the Mexican-American War had on the political landscape of the United States?