Why did James k Polk want California?

* Manifest Destiny: Polk was a strong believer in Manifest Destiny, the idea that the United States was destined to expand its territory across the North American continent. He saw California as a key part of this expansion, as it would give the United States access to the Pacific Ocean and make it a major power in the Pacific Rim.

* Economic interests: California was also seen as a valuable economic asset. It had a rich agricultural industry, and its gold rush had brought in a large influx of settlers. Polk believed that acquiring California would boost the U.S. economy and make it more prosperous.

* Political reasons: Polk was also motivated by political considerations. He wanted to strengthen the Democratic Party and increase its popularity in the West. Acquiring California would help him achieve these goals, as it would give the Democrats a foothold in the region and help them win future elections.