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Road to Civil War
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James Polk Elected
Democratic candidate James Polk wins presidency by slim majority of 1.4% surpassing Henry Clay. -
Irish Potato Famine
Destroys livelihood and sustenance of countless irishmen, thus creating an influx of unskilled labor in US that would help fuel industrialization. -
Texas Enters Statehood
Texas joins US officially creating both slavery disputes as well as Mexican-American disputes -
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Mexican-American War
War erupts due to attack on manipulated troops sent by Polk, leading to a war for Mexican territory. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War and American claims about half of Mexico's territory. -
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California Gold Rush
People across the nation and the world flock to California in hopes of striking rich, this solidifies both California and the territory. -
Underground Railroad
Harriet Tubman assists 300 fleeting slaves make their way to the North.