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Why Is Polk's Presidency So Important?

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In the words of the former President, “Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend on our country’s peace and prosperity..,” (James K. Polk). Why was his presidency so influential? Polk accomplished without hardly any hardships—the objectives many presidents couldn’t succeed. A man who accomplished it all in one term. His accomplishments still do not go unrecognized, and reporters state that “his triumphant record once led historians to call Polk’s presidency an impressive success,”(Wilent). James Polk’s presidency ranged from 1845-1849, and he ran under the Democratic party. Polk was hugely proficient during his time in office; navigating the country into conquering …show more content…

He also felt that it was his duty by the Universe’s ruler to aid and protect the land granted to him to serve. "Assuming responsibilities so vast I fervently invoke the aid of that Almighty Ruler of the Universe in whose hands are the destinies of nations and of men to guard this Heaven-favored land,”(James K. Polk, Inaugural Address, 1845). During Polk’s administration, the U.S had been threatened by European nations to intervene in American affairs—which was not the terms of the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine emphasized that European nations were to stay out of affairs within the western hemisphere. Seeing the United States was becoming its own independent power, they wanted to be recognized as so. Prior to the Oregon Treaty negotiated by Polk and Britain, the territory was undisputed. Britain had harbored their warships on the California harbors. That was one of many threats made by a European power. Another defiance against the Monroe Doctrine had to do with France when it tried to protectorate independent; former Mexican territory. President Polk felt that he had to emphasize once more that European nations needed to stay out of the western hemisphere for their own benefit to prevent war. He cushioned the western hemisphere during his presidency by reissuing the message of the Monroe Doctrine. He felt it was his duty to secure his nation’s powers, as well as securing the

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