Presidential+Research

Try to make the paragraph as perfect as ms. Steele!

Through strategic treaty negotiations with Great Britain, James K. Polk used his presidential powers to secure Oregon territory. Polk was clever in his negotiations, looking generous when his initial offer of the 49th parallel was mild compared to the 54-40 his supporters wanted and campaigned for in the presidential election of 1844 (The White House). Britain refused, so Polk was more aggressive, and crafty using "...the more radical demands [of 54-40] to strengthen his efforts..." (PBS). Playing off of Britain's fears of hurting its trading partnership (Smithsonian Education) with the United States, Polk "...refused to back down" (PBS) and the British agreed to his initial demand of 49. War as a means for settling the border dispute was nothing either side wanted (The White House) and Polk is credited with a success.