Road To Secession Test Prep Page 2

Election of 1844

The presidential election where James K. Polk, a Democrat, won against Henry Clay.

Dark Horse

A candidate who unexpectedly wins or achieves success, like James K. Polk in the 1844 election.

Fifty-four forty or Fight!

Slogan referring to the dispute over the Oregon Territory boundary during the 1844 election.

Polk’s Four Point Plan

James K. Polk's agenda focusing on lowering tariffs, reestablishing the Independent Treasury, acquiring California, and settling the Oregon dispute.

Mexican War

Conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, resulting in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Agreement ending the Mexican-American War, granting the U.S. territories including California and establishing the Rio Grande as the border.

Wilmot Proviso

Proposal to ban slavery in territories acquired from Mexico, which was not passed but fueled tensions over slavery.

Election of 1848

Presidential election where Zachary Taylor, a Whig candidate, emerged victorious.

Popular Sovereignty

Principle allowing residents of a territory to decide on the issue of slavery, advocated by Lewis Cass and Stephen A. Douglas.

Free Soil Movement

Political movement opposing the expansion of slavery into new territories, a key issue in the election of 1848.