“Our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions. Yes, manifest destiny.”
— John O'Sullivan, editor of the Democratic Review
While the inhabitants of El Norte were busy tending to their crops, families and sheep, President James Polk, a Democrat, was giving his inauguration speech. On the night of his inauguration, he confided to the Secretary of the Navy that his main objective was the acquisition of California.