American Exceptionalism, A double edged sword...
America's special character of being uniquely free and self-run on democratic ideals and personal liberty. American exceptionalism depicts America as the "City upon a hill". An ideology born after the American Revolution which won the heart of "young America" during the 1840's. This would provide the platform for Polk's ambitions for westward expansion. To all actions there is a reaction and the result of Polk's push west created a division throughout the nation. The northern and southern states were split on how to move west. The southern states wanted Texas and California to expand slave and cotton culture. The northern states wanted the Oregon Territory to balance out the influence in Congress. This began the sectionalism throughout the nation which would inevitably lead to the American Civil War.