Annexation

In historical contexts, annexation refers to overtures by the United States of America to merge parts of the British colonies that would later form Canada into their union of states. Also known as the divine manifest, or the God-given right to control everything north of the Continental states.

James Knox Polk, the 11th President of the United States, used as a successful campaign slogan "54-40 or war!", commenting on the latitude of the border between Canada and the United States, a border which was later officially set at the 49^th parallel.