James K. Polk's Presidency (jan 1, 1845 – jan 1, 1849)

Description:

GOALS:
- lower the tariff (Democrat and southern)
- MANIFEST DESTINY: national expansion
- expansion into Oregon
- "54°40', for Fight1"
- annexation of Texas
- acquisition of California

MANIFEST DESTINY:
- belief that it was America's right and destiny
to conquer and civilize the entire continent
- white superiority
- western expansion had been happening
before the foundation of the USA
- slavery complicates western expansion

OREGON:
- Anglo-American Convention of 1818
- England and USA jointly occupy Oregon
- Oregon Trail -> Americans flood into the area
- Oregon Treaty (1846) -> 49th Parallel

TEXAS:
- Polk talks about his desire to annex Texas in
his campaign
- in reality, lame duck president Tyler
submitted a proposal that was approved
by a Joint Resolution

CALIFORNIA:
- USA forced attacked in April 1846 (border
dispute)
- Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

Added to timeline:

Date: