What did the slogan 54'40 or fight represent?

Answer 1

The slogan "Fifty-four forty or fight" originated during a dispute between the United States and Great Britain over the Oregon country. Under the terms of a treaty signed in 1818, both nations were permitted to occupy the territory. The territory began at 42° north latitude, the southern boundary of present-day Oregon; it extended north to 54° 40' (54.66°) north latitude, in present-day British Columbia. At the time this was the recognized southern boundary of Russian America (later purchased by the US in 1867 as Alaska).

In 1844 James K. Polk (1795-1849) used "Fifty-four forty or fight" to rally supporters in his successful presidential campaign. Two years after Polk took office as president he settled the dispute with Great Britain; the boundary was then set at 49 degrees north, the northern boundary of present-day Washington state and the border between the United States and Canada.

*As this issue was settled, the US began its war with Mexico, further extending the concept of Manifest Destiny regarding US territorial claims in North America.

Answer 2

It is only indirectly related. This slogan was popular during the presidency of James Polk, but it had to do with the dispute with Britain over the northern boundary for the Oregon territory. The dispute with Mexico over Texas occured during the same time period, but it was essentially a separate issue. Many northerners were disappointed that Polk compromised with Britain regarding the northern boundary, but was not willing to compromise with Mexico regarding the southern boundary. Some viewed the abandonment of Fifty-four forty in the north, while simultaneously pressing the border dispute in the South, showed that the administration was more interested in expansion of potential slave territory, than in expansion of potential free territory. Whether or not that is true, the perception that it was true increased sectional tensions between the north and south.

Answer 3

The territory included Texas, California, and the entire Oregon territory. The northern boundary of Oregon was the latitude line of 54 degrees, 40 minutes, hence the slogan's wording. Polk wanted to expand into this territory, all the way to the northern border of Oregon. This slogan was used in the election of 1844.

Answer 4

This slogan refers to the Oregon Territory.

Answer 5

it represents the force of acid and alkali for a volcano pump force of gravity

Answer 6

54 40 or fight, James Polk's presidential slogan, referred to the US' preferred northern border of the Oregon Territory.

Answer 7

The Oregon border.