Buying Cuba

In May, Democrats in the United States nominate for president Senator Lewis Cass, who has publicly advocated the purchase of Cuba. Later in the month, Democratic President James Polk secretly decides to try to buy Cuba, in accordance with official policy of annexation only with the consent of Spain. In July, Secretary of State James Buchanan instructs US Minister to Cuba Romulus Saunders to negotiate the deal, but negotiations fall apart amidst conspiracy and betrayal.