Book Review: Sean Wilentz on "A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent," By Robert W. Merry (The New York Times)

Polk seized upon his marginal election victory of 1844 and proceeded to act as if he had won an enormous mandate; then he led the country into war with Mexico by resorting to what his critics called deep deception. No wonder some writers have likened him to George W. Bush ... read more