Section 5: Oregon Fever and Polk's Four-Point Plan

What was Oregon Country?

A large region west of the Rocky Mountains stretching to the Pacific Ocean. It was claimed at different times by Spain, Russia, Britain, and the United States.

What was the Anglo-American Convention of 1818?

An agreement between Britain and the United States allowing both countries to jointly occupy and settle Oregon Country for ten years without deciding which country owned it.

Why did the United States and Britain agree to joint occupation of Oregon?

Both countries claimed the territory, but neither wanted to risk war over it. Joint occupation allowed settlers from both countries to live there while postponing a final decision.

What strengthened the American claim to Oregon Country?

American missionaries and settlers moved into Oregon during the 1830s and 1840s, increasing the American population and strengthening the United States' claim to the territory.

What was Oregon Fever?

The wave of American enthusiasm for settling Oregon during the 1840s. Thousands of Americans traveled west along the Oregon Trail in search of farmland and opportunity.

Why did American settlers move to Oregon?

They were attracted by fertile farmland, economic opportunities, and the belief that Oregon should become part of the United States.

How did American settlement affect the Oregon boundary dispute?

As more Americans settled south of the Columbia River, the United States strengthened its claim to the territory and increased pressure on Britain to negotiate.

What was the Oregon Trail?

A major overland route used by American settlers traveling west to Oregon during the 1840s and beyond.

What was the main issue in the Oregon boundary dispute?

The United States and Britain disagreed over where the border between their territories should be located. The United States wanted the boundary farther north, while Britain wanted to retain more land.

What was Polk's four-point plan?

Polk aimed to lower the tariff, restore the independent treasury system, acquire California, and settle the Oregon boundary dispute with Britain.

What was the Walker Tariff?

A tariff passed in 1846 under President Polk that lowered import duties. It reflected Polk's goal of reducing tariffs and promoting trade.

What was Polk's proposal for settling the Oregon dispute?

Polk proposed dividing Oregon Country at the 49th parallel, which would give the United States the land south of that line and Britain the land north of it.

What was the Oregon Compromise of 1846?

An agreement between the United States and Britain establishing the 49th parallel as the boundary between their territories in Oregon Country, peacefully settling the dispute.

Why did some Americans criticize the Oregon Compromise?

Some expansionists and antislavery Northerners believed Polk had given up too much land. They questioned why the United States annexed all of Texas but did not demand all of Oregon.

Why did Polk compromise with Britain over Oregon but take a harder position toward Mexico?

Britain was a powerful country that could fight back, while Mexico was weaker militarily. Polk was more willing to risk conflict with Mexico than with Britain.

How did Polk accomplish his four-point plan?

He lowered tariffs through the Walker Tariff, restored the independent treasury, settled the Oregon dispute through the 1846 compromise, and acquired California and other Mexican territory through the Mexican-American War.