Illinois citizens murder Joseph Smith. Mormons abandon their home in Nauvoo, moving west to found Salt Lake City. Mexico's declaration of war over the annexation of Texas by the United States reaches Congress. President Polk seems to have baited Mexico into a war in order to acquire California. Peace concluded with Mexico.
Convention launches the women's rights movement.
Gold discovered at Sutter's mill in California. Rush of prospectors to the gold mines of California. Zachary Taylor becomes President. Taylor dies and Millard Fillmore becomes President. Passage of the Fugitive Slave Act.