Question

In his inaugural address on March 4, 1845 James K. Polk said, “The world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government.” In what ways did Polk’s presidency reflect this statement? In what ways did it not reflect this statement? Explain your answer in a well-constructed essay that includes specific details in support of your position.

Answer 1

James K. Polk's statement foreshadowed his reign and capture of the two states; territories that didn't belong to him. His presidency reflected the statement he gave and he is often thought of as the worst president.

Answer 2

James K. Polk, the 11th president of the united states, cared to build his mandate on diplomatic expansionist as well as foreign affairs policies stated as soon as from his inaugural speech in 1845. One of his biggest accomplishments was the annexation of Texas as a state of the union.

Polk cared to disperse the belief that Texas rejoining the confederation meant "the conquest of a nation seeking to extend her dominions by arms and violence" as stated in his 1845 address. On the same topic, he declared “the world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government”, to discourage foreign and national controversy over his intent.

The U.S. winning the Mexican-American war over Texas, controversy still remained strong over moral and economical cost for both flanks. Even after signing the "Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Limits and Settlement between the United States of America and the Mexican Republic" on July 4th 1848, opposing antiwar spheres such as a Whig newspaper sarcasticaly concluded "We take nothing by conquest ... Thank God", to mean his office may not reflect the essence of his initial statements.

There is no doubt the Mexican war represented major losses of life and prestige for Mexico over which Polk's original statement may not be reflected. Nevertheless, ulterior economical compensation for physical damage to Mexico and the offer of American citizenship for border-inhabiting Mexican citizens were positive reflections of his purpose during office as they offered an amicable truce to end the conflict.