4. Oregon Boundary Crisis: The 54-40 or Fight Showdown
“Fifty-four forty or fight!” became America’s battle cry between 1844 and 1846. The slogan referred to America’s claim to the entire Pacific Northwest up to Russian Alaska. Britain wanted everything north of the Columbia River. President Polk won election partly on this belligerent platform, bringing both nations to the brink of war. They ultimately compromised on the 49th parallel border.
