Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: 54 40 or Fight
See how James Polk's plan to claim the Oregon Territory, which had been shared with Great Britain since 1818, led him to victory with the slogan, Fifty-four forty or fight. Read about the settlers who traveled the Oregon Trail and why...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: The Final Showdown the Crisis
The opposition against Texas' annexation was strong, and supporters faced challenges between Polk's election and inauguration. What lead up to the passing of the Texas annexation? Check out primary texts to explore this time in Texas'...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: American Presidency: James K. Polk
Brief biographical sketch of America's eleventh president includes background information on the era in which he served and linked-to objects from the Smithsonian's collections that help define the man and his presidency.
270 To Win
270towin: 1844 Presidential Election
Provides detailed electoral facts for the presidential election of 1844 won by James K. Polk who ran on a platform that embraced American territorial expansionism. It was also the last presidential election to be held on different days...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: James Knox Polk
(1795-1849) US President 1845-1849
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: James Knox Polk
(1795-1849) Eleventh president of the United States.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: James Knox Polk
(1795-1849) Eleventh president of the United States 1845-1849
Lone Star Junction
Lone Star Junction: Archives of the West: Resolution Annexing Texas to the u.s.
Read the U.S. Congressional resolution approving the annexation of the Republic of Texas to the United States. Links are provided to additional sites.
Other
Georgia's Blue and Gray Trail Presents: Election of 1848
An extensive look at the election of 1848 including information about the conventions, the parties which elected candidates, the platforms, and the outcome. From the Civil War Encyclopedia.
Other
Dmwv: The u.s. Mexican War: 1846 1848
Dedicated to the memory of U.S. veterans who fought in the U.S.-Mexican War, this website provides documents, images, maps, and FAQs.
Son of the South
Son of the South: Confederate Generals
Presents biographies and resources for a large group of Confederate generals.
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Mexican American War, 1846 1848
After reading this section of a chapter on "Westward Expansion," students will be able to identify the causes of the Mexican-American War and describe the outcomes of the war in 1848 and the effect of the California Gold Rush on westward...
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: History by Era: The Age of Jackson
[Free Registration/Login Required] Read about the growth of the United States in population, economy, territory during the Age of Jackson. Named after the dynamic president, Andrew Jackson, the age encompassed much more than Jackson's...
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: The Mexican War and After
This site from the U.S. Army's Center of Military History offers a detailed account of the Mexican War and its important battles as well as a description of what occurred after the war.
Library of Congress
Loc: "I Do Solemnly Swear"
An online exhibit of historically pertinent items dealing with the inauguration of a number of US Presidents.
Digital History
Digital History: Peace
Read about the peace treaty that ended the Mexican War. See that there were some who wanted to annex the whole of Mexico and were disappointed with the terms of the treaty.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: Aftermath the Reckoning
What happened in the 15 years that followed the annexation of Texas? How did the Mexican War end? Read this article to learn about the aftermath of the annexation, and check out primary documents--a "moral map" of the United States and a...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: A Treaty of Annexation Tyler's Failed Gamble
Read about the part the question of the annexation of Texas played in the election of 1844 and the machinations of several politicians in addressing this question.
Polk Brothers Foundation Center for Urban Education at DePaul University
De Paul University: Center for Urban Education: Columbus and the Egg [Pdf]
"Columbus and the Egg" is a one page, historical fictional passage about Christopher Columbus's return to Spain after discovering America. Some people said anyone could sail the seas. Columbus used an egg to make a point. It is followed...
San Jacinto Museum of History
San Jacinto Museum: How Did the Battle of San Jacinto Change the World?
This is an interesting look at the impact of the Battle of San Jacinto not only for the Republic of Texas, but for places in North America and in Europe. Links to additional information.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Westward Expansion and Reform
Part of a longer time line describing the history of the American West, this section covers the period 1829 to 1859 with hyperlinks to stories and people of this time period.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Manifest Destiny
This Khan Academy resource provides notes for American History. "Manifest Destiny" is explained on this resource, along with the implications associated with expansion of the North American continent.
Polk Brothers Foundation Center for Urban Education at DePaul University
De Paul University: Center for Urban Education: Columbus and the Egg [Pdf]
"Columbus and the Egg" is a one page, historical fictional passage about Christopher Columbus's return to Spain after discovering America. Some people said anyone could sail the seas. Columbus used an egg to make a point. It is followed...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1844 1877: Manifest Destiny
In the mid-nineteenth century, newspaper editor John O'Sullivan coined the term 'manifest destiny' to describe the belief that God intended for the United States to occupy North America from Atlantic to Pacific.