How did president Polk view California and the New Mexico territory?

President James K. Polk viewed California and the New Mexico territory as vital to the expansion of the United States and its Manifest Destiny doctrine. He believed that acquiring these territories would enhance the nation's economic prospects and secure its western borders. Polk was particularly interested in California for its potential as a Pacific port and a key area for trade, while New Mexico was seen as strategically important for connecting the U.S. to the Pacific and facilitating westward expansion. His administration's aggressive stance ultimately led to the Mexican-American War and the subsequent acquisition of these territories.