![]() | The 1840s | |
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1840 At Van Buren's urging, Congress established an independent treasury to hold federal funds. An attempt to safeguard funds from private bank failures, the treasury was abolished in 1841 but reinstated in 1846. Defeated by William Henry Harrison in the November presidential election. |
1841 ![]() Inaugurated on March 4 as the 9th president, delivering the longest inaugural address on record, in which he promised not to run for a second term. Contracted pneumonia in late March, died in the White House on April 4. ![]() 1st Ladies: Letitia, Julia |
1842 Seminole War in Florida ended. Boundry settled between Maine and New Brunswick. |
1843 In January, the Whigs introduced impeachment resolutions in the House, but the measures were defeated. |
1844 A treaty with China opened the Far East to U.S. traders. |
1845 ![]() 1st Lady: Sarah |
1846 Two key pieces of Polk's domestic program, bills setting new tariffs and reestablishing a federal treasury, were adopted. A treaty with Britain settled a dispute over Oregon, giving both nations part of the territory. |
1847 |
1848 A treaty with Mexico ended a two-year war and gave the United States control over most of present-day Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Gold was discovered in California in December. |
1849 ![]() Sectional debates over the extension of slavery occupied Congress, with Taylor supporting the admission of California without conditions. |
06/25/00 GRAPHIC HISTORY