Bill passed when the United States acquired the Oregon Territory, one of the driving goals of Polk's presidency. The cry of “54”, 40’ or fight!” was adopted by the Democratic party after Polk won the presidency and he and his administration promised to bring “all of Oregon” into the Union. The idea of Manifest Destiny certainly contributed to several wars. … 2 (1957): p. 291, https://doi.org/10.2307/1887191, 291-309. Historian Sam W. Haynes has identified Polk as a "fitting representative" of the "expansionist impulse" known as Manifest Destiny. How many years did Spain control Mexico for? 1. James K. Polk, the Democratic candidate, also campaigned on promises to get Texas for the United States. Ironically, the fighting part of “54”, 40’ or fight!” would not be necessary for Americans in Oregon, but would instead be in Texas. At first, similar to their last rejection, this was not satisfactory for the British. The term manifest destiny refers to a widely held concept of American expansion during the 19th century. Polk’s administration was able to assuage the Congress’ protests as the Mexican-American War was looming ahead and no conflict could be risked with the British. 11. Happiness Family Peace. According to historian Robert J. Miller, the three basic themes of manifest destiny are “1) The special virtues of the American people and their institutions; 2) America’s mission to redeem and remake the world in the image of America; and 3) A divine destiny under God’s direction to accomplish this wonderful task.”1 Many Americans believed strongly in the will of America being spread across the land, bringing enlightened values with it. James K. Polk (1795–1849) was the 11th President of the United States. ISSN 1466-4658. The goal of this idea that was adopted by the Democratic party during the time of James K. Polk, was to expand American territory as far and as wide as possible. Enjoy these free, printable James K. Polk coloring pages! Manifest Destiny: US President James K. Polk announces to Congress that the United States should aggressively expand into the West. One other president bears comparison to Bush: James K. Polk. How would it do so? Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity, and in some degree the hopes and happiness of the whole human family. The President of the United States of America, James K. Polk, who had been elected into office in 1844. Posted July 20, '11 6:20am UTC. Many Americans believed strongly in the will of America being spread across the land, bringing enlightened values with it. Author: Polk Quotes Category: American Businessman Quotes Blessings Quotes. The Oregon Treaty of 1846 was soon finalized and accepted by the Congress.4 Polk’s administration was able to assuage the Congress’ protests as the Mexican-American War was looming ahead and no conflict could be risked with the British. Practice Catholicism, become a Mexican citizen, and get rid of all of their slaves. "President Polk and the Politics of Slavery". The term Manifest Destiny was a wide belief that the American settlers were destined to expand from coast to coast. I am deeply impressed with gratitude for the confidence reposed in me. They would be formally introduced in the early 1820s with Polk's involvement with the State Legislature. “I firmly believe that American society would not endure ten years if subjected to half the trials and … Committed to expansion and manifest destiny, he favored annexation of Texas, the “reoccupation” of Oregon, and the acquisition of California. Democratic slogan “Fifty-four Forty or Fight!” appealed strongly to westerners and southerners who were expansionists in 1844. Read the words of James K. Polk, the eleventh President of the United States. James Polk was born in North Carolina on November 2, 1795. When James K. Polkwas elected president in 1844, he believed voters chose him to lead the continued expansion of the United States into lands currently owned by other countries. While Andrew Jackson was an expansionist and his Indian Removal Act was incredibly influential in fulfilling the Manifest Destiny, it was his protege, Democratic president James K. Polk, who built his campaign around this idea of Manifest Destiny. The Oregon Treaty of 1846 was soon finalized and accepted by the Congress. Upon gaining the presidency, Polk looked to fulfill the promise of gaining Oregon. Eventually though, the British accepted and the proposal moved to the American Congress. James K. Polk: A Clear and Unquestionable Destiny shows that they were far more complex than the moral crusade that had been labeled 'Manifest Destiny.' ChillzMaster. Shop affordable wall art to hang in dorms, bedrooms, offices, or anywhere blank walls aren't welcome. The North, however, tended to be more focused on Oregon. His belief in the country's “Manifest Destiny” to expand from coast to coast was the driving force behind several of the accomplishments that rank him as one of our greatest presidents. Texas annexation was a large part of Polk’s campaign, especially in the South. This concept can broadly be referred to as continentalism. 300 years. Should the U.S. expand? 3. Inaugural Address of James Knox Polk. President James K. Polk, who was elected in 1844 on the pledge to annex vast territories in the West, delivered on his major campaign compromise.