Minnesota, the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," enters the Union as the 32nd state.
Polk asks for Declaration of War
Following a Mexican raid on U.S. soldiers in disputed territory, President James K. Polk asks Congress for a declaration of war against Mexico. Two days later, both the House of Representative and Senate would pass the declaration with substantial majorities.
The Battle of Attu begins as the U.S. Army 7th Infantry Division lands on Attu, a Japanese-controlled Aleutian Island. The battle, the only World War II land battle fought on American soil, saw the American forces retake the Aleutians after over a year of fighting.
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