What was the political slogan used in the 1844 election that emphasized U.S. claims to Oregon territory?

The political slogan "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight" was a direct reference to the latitude line (54°40′) that marked the northern boundary of the territory that expansionists believed the United States should claim from Britain, specifically the Oregon Territory. During the 1844 presidential election, the slogan was popularized by James K. Polk, who advocated for the annexation of this region, which was at the time jointly occupied by both the United States and Great Britain.

The adoption of this slogan was a key component of Polk's campaign and reflected the broader ideology of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the entire North American continent. The slogan conveyed a sense of urgency and a willingness to fight for what was perceived to be American land, appealing to the sense of nationalism and expansionism prevalent during that era.

In comparison, other slogans like "Oregon or Bust" also hinted at westward expansion but were not as politically significant in the context of the 1844 election. "Manifest Destiny Now" is a modern interpretation of the era’s beliefs, and "Claim the West" lacks the specific geographic reference that was central to the debate over Oregon. Thus, "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight