Polk's state of the union address, although celebratory, was a precursor to

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

Polk's state of the union address, although celebratory, was a precursor to the Manifested Destiny and the advocacy of annexation.

US President James Knox Polk delivered his state of the union address on December 2, 1845. A considerable number of lines were dedicated to the Mexican-American conflicts and the idea that the United States had the right to own the majority of the North American territory.

b) the confederacy had to pay all union war expenses.