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54º40' or fight

The phrase 54º40' or fight refers to the demands of Western settlers, and a campaign slogan of 1844 candidate for President of the United States (and eventual winner) James Polk for Britain to surrender the entire Oregon territory or have a war. The territory that was disputed went as far north as 54º40' , which is today in British Columbia (and the southern boundary of Alaska). An agreement between the United States and Great Britain was reached (the 1846 Treaty of Oregon) extending the border along the 49º parallel, significantly south of the area sought. The United States avoided war with Britain since it was already at war with Mexico.