The chief goal of American expansionists in the 1800s was to spread "American ideals" and values by expanding U.S. territory across North America, driven by the belief of Manifest Destiny that God intended the U.S. to control the entire continent. Expansionists first emerged after the American Revolution and pushed for acquiring Oregon Country and other lands. Key events furthering expansion included the election of James K. Polk on a platform of acquiring Oregon and settling the border with Britain.