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Dark Horse
An unexpected political candidate -
Distribution Act
An Act sponsored by Henry Clay that sent the government's surplus tax revenue back to the states on an equalized basis. Polk objected to the bill because it actually only gave the money as a loan. Therefore, the states might be liable for repaying the money later. -
Fifty-Four, Forty or Fight
Polk's expansionist campaign slogan, a reference to the 54th parallel, the Alaskan border. The U.S. claimed that the Oregon territory stretched all the way up through Canada. -
Manifest Destiny
Manifest Destiny was a phrase used by politicians in the 1840s to explain and justify continental expansion by the United States all the way across to the Pacific Ocean. By giving the country a "mission"–to expand the liberties and freedom of America all the way across the country–they were able to garner support for Westward expansion, the Mexican War, and other expansionist ideas. -
Monroe Doctrine
The Doctrine, put in place by President James Monroe which stated that European interference in the affairs of the Americas would not be tolerated. -
Sub-Treasury
A financial tool developed by President Martin Van Buren that would place all the government's money in a government depository to prevent a crunch like the one in effect when he assumed office. The sub-treasury, though, would not be passed until Polk's administration, however, with the passing of the Independent Treasury Act of 1846. -
Wilmot Proviso
An amendment to a bill that granted Polk the money to buy New Mexico and California from Mexico, the Wilmot Proviso prevented slavery in the new territories. The bill failed to pass because of the Proviso, thereby prolonging the Mexican War.
Terms
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