In the OTL, during the James K. Polk administration the U.S and Britain hammered out the Treaty of Oregon in 1846. This treaty gave everything to the U.S south of the 49th parallel, Idaho, Oregon,Washington, parts of Montana, and Wyoming.
The Treaty ended the bickering over the Northwestern Claims by both sides, (1818-1846). Naturally, war between Britain and the U.S was avoided.
Lets, say that elements in Congress and the Polk Administration are not satisfied with the deal at the 49th parallel. Many of them wanted to "accquire the territory all the way to the 54th parallel..
Lets say Polk pursues this, and wants British Colombia. Is there a U.S-British war over the territory? Or will there be a diplomatic deal hammered out, the U.S pays Britain a tidy sum for the territory? If there is a war, would the Russians get involved or stay out of it??
Big thing here for me, if the U.S gets involved in a war with Britain over the Northwest, I am guessing the U.S-Mexican war butterflies away.. For a later date.
Ok folks, your thoughts?