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A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of
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A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent Hardback - 2009

by Robert W. Merry

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When James K. Polk was elected president in 1844, the United States was locked in a bitter diplomatic struggle with Britain over the rich lands of the Oregon Territory, which included what is now Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Texas, not yet part of the Union, was threatened by a more powerful Mexico. And the territories north and west of Texas -- what would become California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and part of Colorado -- belonged to Mexico. When Polk relinquished office four years later, the country had grown by more than a third as all these lands were added. The continental United States, as we know it today, was established -- facing two oceans and positioned to dominate both.

In a one-term presidency, Polk completed the story of America's Manifest Destiny -- extending its territory across the continent, from sea to sea, by threatening England and manufacturing a controversial and unpopular two-year war with Mexico that Abraham Lincoln, in Congress at the time, opposed as preemptive.

Robert Merry tells this story through powerful debates and towering figures -- the outgoing President John Tyler and Polk's great mentor, Andrew Jackson; his defeated Whig opponent, Henry Clay; two famous generals, Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott; Secretary of State James Buchanan (who would precede Lincoln as president); Senate giants Thomas Hart Benton and Lewis Cass; Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun; and ex-president Martin Van Buren, like Polk a Jackson protg but now a Polk rival.

This was a time of tremendous clashing forces. A surging antislavery sentiment was at the center of the territorial fight. The struggle between a slave-owning South and an opposing North was leading inexorably to Civil War. In a gripping narrative, Robert Merry illuminates a crucial epoch in U.S. history.

Details

  • Title A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent
  • Author Robert W. Merry
  • Binding Hardback
  • Edition First Edition
  • Pages 576
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Simon & Schuster, New York
  • Publication date 2009
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780743297431 / 0743297431
  • Weight 1.84 lbs (0.83 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.56 x 6.72 x 1.62 in (24.28 x 17.07 x 4.11 cm)
  • Category Biography / Autobiography
  • Library of Congress subjects Presidents - United States, Polk, James K
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 2009024131
  • Dewey Decimal Code B

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A Country of Vast Designs James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent
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A Country of Vast Designs James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent

by Robert W. Merry

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A Country of Vast Designs : James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent

by Merry, Robert W

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A Country of Vast Designs : James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent

by Merry, Robert W

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A Country of Vast Designs : James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American...
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A Country of Vast Designs : James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent

by Merry, Robert W

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A Country of Vast Designs : James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American...
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A Country of Vast Designs : James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent

by Merry, Robert W

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780743297431 / 0743297431
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Simon & Schuster. Used - Very Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
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A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, The Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American...
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A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, The Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent

by Merry, Robert W

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Simon & Schuster, 2009-11-03. Later Printing. hardcover. Used: Good. 6.25x1.60x9.25. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
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A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, The Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent

by Merry, Robert W

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Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent
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Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent

by Robert W Merry

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A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent

by Merry, Robert W.

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Simon and Schuster, 2009. 1st ed. 1st pr.. Very Good First Edition in a Very Good dj in Mylar cover. Book is in as new condition.
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A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, The Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American...
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A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, The Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent

by Merry, Robert W

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