Challenges: James K. Polk was an avowed expansionist, committed to acquiring California and New Mexico from Mexico even at the risk of war. Polk acquired the then British-held territory of Oregon and ...

James K. Polk, the original "dark horse" candidate ... Billed as the "Manifest Destiny" candidate, Polk negotiated the Oregon territory to the north. His attempt to acquire California and New ...

His was, no doubt, the most accomplished presidency in the 64 years between George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s. And where Washington and Lincoln had arrived at moments freighted with destiny ...