Chapter 43: Polk’s annexation of Texas presages the growing North-South divide.

Polk is determined to annex Texas but is stalled by a debate over the exact boundaries involved. On one hand there is the existing Republic; on the other, “Imperial Texas” encompassing over twice as much acreage.

Opposition comes from two Whig Abolitionists in the House, ex-President JQ Adams and Ohio’s Joshua Giddings.

A final bill is passed on February 28, 1845, annexing the narrower Texas claim and declaring it a Slave State. This also shifts the delicate balance to 15 Slave vs. 14 Free States.