““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
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