How did the massive immigration of the 1840’s influence the balance of power between the Whig and Democratic parties?

100-150 per question

Questions to Consider:

1) How did the massive immigration of the 1840’s influence the balance of power between the Whig and Democratic parties?

2) What economic and political forces fed westward expansion during the 1840s?

3) What tactics used by President James K. Polk to unite the Democratic party behind a program of westward expansion threatened war with both Britain and Mexico?  How did the Democrats “sell” Texas annexation to the North in the election of 1844?

4) How did the outcome of the Mexican-American War intensify intersectional conflict? Why, specifically, did it split the Democratic party?