The United States and Great Britain established in 1818 joint claim over the Oregon Territory - the region north of Spanish controlled Upper California up to the southern boundary of Russia's Alaska Territory at North latitude 54°40'. By the late 1830's this arrangement was beginning to fall apart. In the 1840's the expansionist Democrats, including their 1844 presidential candidate, James Polk, claimed the entire region for the United States. Their expansionist desires were expressed by Polk's famous campaign slogan, "Fifty-four Forty or Fight!" The slogan also became a rally cry for Americans desiring to settle the territory. Following Polk's election, the dispute was resolved by the 1846 Treaty of Oregon, which struck a compromise that fixed the U.S./Canadian boundary at 49º North.

Attractive map of North America and the West Indies focuses mainly on topography, with outline color delineating nations, states and colonial possessions. The northern border with Canada shows the claims of the United States beyond the 50° latitude.

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Condition: B+

A sturdy sheet with original outline color. There is some very faint irregular toning in the map. Margins trimmed but still sufficient for framing. Tape residue on verso.