AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Election of 1844 (Day 121/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of the Election of 1844 in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Election of 1844 Candidates, Wikimedia Commons

In the Election of 1844, foreign affairs, including the annexation of Texas and shared borders with Oregon, were a major concern for the American public.

Political cartoon predicting Polk's defeat by Clay, Wikimedia Commons

Henry Clay, a Whig, ran an anti-expansionist platform, citing opposition to the annexation of Texas due to the potential to increase tensions over slavery.

Oregon Country, Wikimedia Commons

James K. Polk, a Democrat and supporter of Manifest Destiny, campaigned with a commitment to annexing Texas and with a slogan of “Fifty-Four Forty or Fight.” This referenced his promise to gain the entire Oregon territory for the U.S. instead of continuing to jointly occupy it with Britain.

Election of 1844, 270towin

When Polk won, despite the narrow margin, Congress interpreted it as an endorsement for expansion. Even before Polk’s inauguration, Congress reconsidered and then voted in favor of the annexation of Texas.

James K. Polk was chosen to be president in the Election of 1844. His expansionist campaign rhetoric and platform led Congress to quickly annex Texas as the next state in the union.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Causes of War with Mexico in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!