The number of U.S. settlers in the Pacific Northwest played a crucial role in determining the border between the United States and Britain during the 19th century for several reasons:
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Demographic Influence: The increased migration of American settlers into the Oregon Territory significantly shifted the demographic balance in the region. By the 1840s, the U.S. population in the area had grown substantially compared to the British population, which was primarily concentrated in the Hudson's Bay Company's trading posts. The presence of more American settlers strengthened the U.S. claim to the territory.
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Political Pressure: As more American settlers moved into the Pacific Northwest, they lobbied the U.S. government for protection and recognition of their rights and claims to the land. This grassroots pressure contributed to an expansionist sentiment in the U.S., embodied in the slogan "54°40' or Fight!" which reflected the U.S. desire to assert control over the entire Oregon Territory up to the northern latitude of 54°40'.
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Negotiations and Treaties: The growing number of U.S. settlers put pressure on U.S. officials to negotiate with Britain. The presence of these settlers made it politically expedient for the U.S. to resolve the border dispute diplomatically. The influx of American settlers made it clear that the U.S. had a significant stake in the region, ultimately leading to the Oregon Treaty of 1846, which established the border at the 49th parallel.
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Military and Strategic Considerations: The concentration of U.S. settlers also meant that any potential for conflict between Britain and the U.S. was more likely to involve American interests. This rendered a peaceful resolution preferable for both nations, given the strategic considerations of maintaining stability in a region increasingly populated by American settlers who sought governance and protection.
In summary, the influx of U.S. settlers into the Pacific Northwest not only intensified the desire for American control over the territory but also directly influenced diplomatic negotiations with Britain, leading to the establishment of the current U.S.-Canada border in that region.