Expansionism Under James K. Polk Essay - 1310 Words

Expansionism under James K. Polk During the years surrounding James K. Polks presidency, the United States of America grew economically, socially, and most noticeably geographically. In this time period, the western boundaries of the Untied States would be expanded all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Many Americans in the 19th century believed that the acquisition of this territory to the west was their right and embraced the concept of Manifest Destiny. This concept was the belief that America should stretch from sea to shining sea and it was all but inevitable. Under the cover of Manifest Destiny, President Polk imposed his views of an aggressive imperialistic nation. Imperialism is the practice of extending the power and†¦show more content†¦The South and Texans immediately wanted to annex the republic into the United States but the republics pro-slavery stance would not allow it until later. The annexation of Texas would cause controversy that continued for years because of the slavery issue. Presi dent Polk made the annexation of Texas one of his key stances in the election of 1844. Upon the election to President Polk imposed his imperialistic views on Congress and gained the majority he needed for the annexation of Texas into the United States. Former President Tyler had made a similar attempt at this but failed due to backing from his government. It was only seen as a last ditch effort to save face on his part. The annexation of Texas was only the start of Polks vision of a continental America. Texas annexation would soon cause controversy in Polks administration again with Mexico. Soon after the annexation of Texas, Polk started to implement his expansion campaign slogan of, Fifty-Four Forty or Fight! This referred to the latitude line that formed the northern border of the Oregon territory. The British and Americans had jointly occupied this territory ever since the Anglo-American convention in 1818. Polks desire for a true Pacific Ocean outlet and the willingness of the American people to fight for it put a huge amount of pressure on the British toShow MoreRelatedExpansionism Under James K. Polk1276 Words   |  6 PagesExpansionism under James K. Polk During the years surrounding James K. Polks presidency, the United States of America grew economically, socially, and most noticeably geographically. In this time period, the western boundaries of the Untied States would be expanded all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Many Americans in the 19th century believed that the acquisition of this territory to the west was their right and embraced the concept of Manifest Destiny. This concept was the belief thatRead MoreJohn K Polk And Western Expansion2495 Words   |  10 PagesJohn K Polk and Western Expansion Under James Knox Polk, the United States grew by more than a million square miles, adding territory that now composes the states of Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, much of New Mexico, and portions of Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado. Much of the United States is owed to the expansion planned by Former President John K Polk. His actions would lead to the annexation of Texas and purchase of California and New Mexico from Mexico. In theRead MoreThe American Of The Mexican American War1664 Words   |  7 Pages The Mexican American War â€Å"No President who performs his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure.† –President James K Polk. The Manifest Destiny is believed to have the primary cause of western expansion in the United States during the 19th century. This doctrine is believed to have been the primary sources which led to the vast expansions becauseRead MoreManifest Destiny By James K. Polk1257 Words   |  6 Pagesexpansion of the American territory. It also had many poor results like the killing of Indians who were in the way of the belief of Manifest Destiny. The president that followed through with the belief of Manifest Destiny the most is that of James K. Polk. His war with Mexico and strong stand against the British about the Oregon territory solidified Manifest Destiny. The Unites States of America and its government drilled into its citizens that they should spread the political idea of democracyRead MoreEssay on The Presidency of James Knox Polks2023 Words   |  9 Pagesknown as â€Å"young hickory†, and the first â€Å"dark horse†. James Knox Polk accomplished many things in his life. He served in the House of Representative, became governor of Tennessee, and became president of the United States. His achievements impacted the U.S and made it what it is today. For example he annexed Texas, lowered tariffs, established an independent Federal Treasury, went to war with Mexico, and added three states to the union. If James Polk did not become president, then there is a possibilityRead MoreThe Slavery Of The Slave Trade1987 Words   |  8 PagesTalking about southern expansionism would not be complete without the mention of the interstate slave trade. This is most applicable when we talk about one aspect of the slave trade that oft en gets overlooked, the Atlantic Slave Trade. When mentioning the Atlantic Slave Trade, it is the fact that southerners considered reopening the trade after its dissolution in the beginning of the nineteenth century. Interestingly enough, there were movements by southerners to reopen the Atlantic Slave Trade thatRead MoreQuestions On The s Cotton Gin Made Cotton1559 Words   |  7 Pagesthink it was inescapable on the grounds that without the development Britain or Mexico would have control over a considerable measure of the area and I m certain there would be consistent rubbing between them. Show Destiny was utilized to support expansionism on the grounds that it said that God had bound them for it and when God is utilized as a part of that way I think it induces individuals more. 6) The addition of Texas was dubious on the grounds that numerous individuals who existed in the zoneRead MoreA Description of Bleeding Kansas3703 Words   |  15 PagesMcClellan wants war to end if he s elected, citizens of North are sick of war so many vote for McClellan, Lincoln wins 37. 38. 39. 40. American slave who sued his master for keeping him enslaved in a territory where slavery was banned under the missouri Compromise Election of 1864 36. Eli Whitney Elizabeth Cady Stanton United States inventor of the mechanical cotton gin (1765-1825) A prominent advocate of women s rights, Stanton organized the 1848 Seneca Falls ConventionRead MoreThe End Of The 19th Century2247 Words   |  9 PagesAmericans living in Texas than there where Mexicans, and because of this the Americans wanted full statehood for the province in order to have home rule. In 1833 American born Texans would support Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna in his run for president, under the belief that he would support statehood. However after his election Santa Anna would declare a unified central government that would eliminate states’ rights. Outraged, the Texans revolted and declared their independence on March 2, 1836. The MexicanRead MoreA SELECTION OF PAST AP U.S. FREE RESPONSE QUESTIONS:3529 Words   |  15 PagesManifest Destiny as a benevolent movement, it was in fact an aggressive imperialism pursued at the expense of others. Assess the validity of this statement with specific reference to American expansionism in the 1840s. (90) 44. Compare the expansionist foreign policies of Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James K. Polk. To what extent did their policies strengthen the United States? (93) 45. Discuss the impact of territorial expansion on national unity between 1800 and 1850. (97) 46. To what extent