1844
James K. Polk and the 1844 map
Dark horse James K. Polk narrowly defeated Henry Clay in an election dominated by territorial expansion. Polk ran on 'Manifest Destiny,' calling for annexation of Texas and assertion of claims to all of Oregon ('54-40 or Fight!'). Clay's ambivalent position on Texas annexation cost him votes to Liberty Party abolitionist James G. Birney in New York, which swung the state and the election to Polk. Polk served one term and fulfilled all his campaign promises.
Texas annexation; Oregon boundary; Manifest Destiny and westward expansion
Polk was a dark horse nominee; Liberty Party spoiler cost Clay New York and the presidency
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