What did President Polk aim to acquire as part of his territorial ambitions?

President Polk’s primary aim during his presidency was to expand U.S. territory significantly, and one of the key regions he sought to acquire was California. This ambition was part of the larger concept of Manifest Destiny, which held that it was the nation's destiny to expand across the continent. California, with its vast land and resources, was particularly appealing due to its economic potential and strategic coastal access to the Pacific Ocean.

Polk's administration focused on the annexation of Texas, but by the time of his presidency, Texas had already become a state. Polk also supported the acquisition of Oregon, which he ultimately negotiated peacefully with Britain, but California stood out for its promise of gold and agricultural wealth, especially following the discovery of gold in 1848. Florida had also been acquired earlier through purchase, and while significant, it was not a target of Polk's specific territorial ambitions. Thus, California represents the culmination of Polk's aggressive expansionist policies during his administration.