He is remembered for greatly expanding the size of the United States. He successfully negotiated with Britain for U.S. control over territory in the west up to the 49thparallel. The agreement gave the U.S. the current states of Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. ...
he demanded annexation. Whereas other candidates evaded the problem of joint occupancy ofOregonwith England, he openly laid claim to the whole territory that extended as far north as latitude 54°40′ with the campaign slogan“Fifty-four forty or fight.” His election was close, but it was de...