1848With the introduction of all the new territory many fierce pro-slavery advocates in the South propose flooding the area with white, English speakers and bringing slavery to the region as well as making any Mexicans that aren’t cooperative slaves as well. President Polk, though having mixed views on slavery, condemns this plan and with the help of Whigs and Northern Democrats he gets passed the Mexican Territory-Defense Act. With this the newly acquired territory is organized into Mexico Territory and creates defensive militias, mainly formed out of the old Mexican Army and is tasked with securing the area from forced aggression from incoming Southerners.
American Commanders Training the Mexico Territory MilitiaDuring the fallout Wisconsin joins the Union on May 29th. President Polk is in attendance in Madison and meets with state officials.
In the summer President Polk authorizes ambassador Romulus Mitchell Saunders to negotiate for the purchase of Cuba from Spain. In little time he guarantees the purchase for $100 million. Southerners rejoice as their confidence with President Polk is renewed.
At the Whig Party convention General Zachary Taylor of Louisiana is chosen to run for President along with Millard Fillmore as Vice President.
Presidential Candidate Zachary Taylor and Vice Presidential Candidate Millard FillmoreAt the Democratic Party convention President Polk is re-nominated unanimously on the first ballot even though he said he’d only serve one term. Polk seems noticeably touched and agrees to run for a second term with George Dallas.
President James Polk and Vice President George DallasDuring the election Taylor remained vague on all issues and constantly attacked Polk for his westward expansion. None of these attacks seemed to affect the President’s popularity as Polk attracted voters across the nation. On election night:
James Polk/George Dallas: 262Zachary Taylor/Millard Fillmore: 28President Polk wins in a 262-28 rout of Zachary Taylor and wins a second term.