The phrase "Fifty-four forty or fight" came out of the dispute between the U. S. And Great Britain over

The term originated from a boundary dispute over the Oregon territory in the 1840s.

James K. Polk called for expansion that included Texas, California, and the entire Oregon territory. The northern boundary of Oregon was the latitude line of 54 degrees, 40 minutes. "Fifty-four forty or fight!" was the popular slogan that led Polk to victory against all odds.