““James Knox Polk: The James Knox Polk: The First Imperial President?”First Imperial President?”

Kathryn Kohls Campbell

Polk’s PresidencyPolk’s PresidencyOpposition questioned Polk’s

abilities after he was electedSkilled ability as a mouthpiece and

stump speaker◦Lawyer background

Campbell analyzed Polk’s presidency based on themes of Jeffersonianism, presidential power, Manifest Destiny, and slavery

JeffersonianismJeffersonianism“Address of James K. Polk to the State of

Tennessee, April 3, 1839”◦ Rhetorical skills as stump speaker◦ Crescendo in criticizing opposing party◦ Addressed criticism as being changing◦ Strong, forceful argument that was logical and

strategicBalance of power between President and

CongressSuccessful administration

◦ Clearly outlined goals Oregon, California, reduce tariff, Constitutional

Treasury◦ Achieved through use of rhetoric in Inaugural,

annual addresses, vetoes, and special messages

Jeffersonianism ContinuedJeffersonianism ContinuedMobilizing public support using the

Cabinet and annual messages◦Well developed arguments to justify

legislation◦Prepared tirelessly to gain popular and

Congressional supportPressuring Congress

◦Highly effective in working with Congress◦Pressured Congress to follow public

support; threatened to expose their dissent to public

◦Washington Union – administration’s newspaper that used editorials and articles to influence Congress

Manifest DestinyManifest DestinyWilling to risk all to achieve expansionist

ends◦ Courted war with Great Britain for Oregon◦ Mexican War

Manifest Destiny (1845)◦ Pride in nation◦ Land hunger◦ Establish “natural boundaries”◦ Protect from foreign influence◦ Spread U.S. democracy

Used War Message and 2nd and 3rd Annual Addresses to justify war and President’s actions as Commander-in-Chief during wartime

Slavery and Annexation: A Slavery and Annexation: A ParadoxParadoxPolk believed slavery a state issueConcern over territories precipitating

slavery agitation and upsetting slavery balance of Union

Polk upheld Oregon as a free state because of Missouri Compromise◦ Appealed to ethos of Founders and Constitution◦ Quoted Washington’s Farewell Address –

dangers of political conflict based on geographyFor Polk, Manifest Destiny trumped

concerns of a Union dissolution because of slavery◦ Paradox

Polk’s LegacyPolk’s Legacy Imperial nature

◦ Desire for territory◦ Exercise of Presidential power◦ President transcendent of Congress

Logical, deliberative speaker who used well conceived arguments that mirrored lawyer background◦ Wit and sarcasm of stump speaker

Lacked identification, pathos, and empathy to move audiences

Polk’s rhetoric◦ Important for what it reveals about beliefs of

supporters◦ Used powerfully to expand presidential powers

Veto Role of President in government Role as Commander-in-Chief during wartime