Historically, the Mexican-American War had been started by Polk, but waging war against Mexico again was clearly unrealistic at this point.
Expanding the border northward was no more sensible, but negotiating a solution was another matter.
If sacrificing the interests of some people could win land for America, Polk was more than willing to do it.
And so the British and American leadership hit it off at once, and the two sides began trading favors. The Americans let British goods into their market, while the British colonies recognized the American sphere of influence.
Factory owners in the North wailed in dismay, while plantation owners in the South went on a buying spree. But those who betrayed the interests of their own class rarely met a good end, and Polk was no exception.
The president was ambushed by gunmen on a country lane. The hardy old Mr. Polk drew his pistol and fought back, but during the pursuit, a bullet from who knew where struck him in the back of the head, and he fell dead.
Vice President Dallas took office on an interim basis. A well-known protectionist, one of his first acts was to repeal the trade agreement Polk had signed with the British.
But when it came to changing their tune, the British were every bit as quick. They immediately tore up the border agreement between the two countries and sent troops to drive out the Americans and their army.
These two agreements, signed and repealed in quick succession, became known to later historians as "two scraps of wastepaper."
The British also took domestic measures. They sought to halt falling grain prices, setting official prices to protect grain merchants' profits.
Unlike other goods, grain couldn't wait until later to be bought. People had to eat to stay alive. The