Who Is James K. Polk?: The Presidential Election of 1844

In 1844, James K. Polk, a highly unlikely presidential candidate, won the election against better-known options like Martin Van Buren and Henry Clay. The election was complicated by three other candidates, including President John Tyler, Joseph Smith, and James G. Birney. The stakes of the election were high as the United States was undergoing a tumultuous political transition. Polk's ascension to the White House was a pivotal moment in propelling the United States towards civil war.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: University Press of Kansas

James K. Polk, a highly unlikely presidential candidate, emerged in the 1844 election amidst a remarkable cast of characters. While he was not unknown, he faced fierce competition from better-known Democrats like Martin Van Buren, John C. Calhoun, and James Buchanan. On the Whig side, Henry Clay was the clear frontrunner. Adding to the complexity of the election were three other candidates: President John Tyler, a man without a party; Joseph Smith, the first presidential candidate to be assassinated; and James G. Birney, head of the antislavery Liberty ticket. The stakes were high as the United States was undergoing a tumultuous political transition.

The 1844 election marked a significant shift in the political landscape, with the focus shifting from traditional issues like banking and tariffs to newer ones such as immigration and slavery. This election expanded the vigorous campaigning that had been growing since 1824, and it was a mature stage of competition between the Whig and Democratic parties. Mark R. Cheathem's book, "Who is James K. Polk?" provides a comprehensive account of this pivotal election.

Cheathem delves into the background and political career of James K. Polk, examining his rise from a humble beginnings to the presidency. He explores Polk's political philosophy, his strategies for winning the election, and the impact his presidency had on the country. The book also provides detailed descriptions of the campaign tactics used by the candidates, including rallies, music, and political cartoons.

One of the key themes of the book is the transition from traditional political issues to newer ones. Polk's presidency was marked by his aggressive stance on immigration, which led to the Mexican-American War and the annexation of Texas and California. This expansionist policy was a departure from the previous administrations and set the stage for the Civil War.

Cheathem also explores the political parties at a mature stage of competition. The Whig party, led by Henry Clay, was divided over issues such as slavery and economic development. The Democratic party, on the other hand, was divided over issues such as tariffs and internal politics. The book provides detailed descriptions of the campaigns of both parties, including their strategies for winning over voters and their attempts to appeal to different constituencies.

In conclusion, "Who is James K. Polk?" is a definitive account of the 1844 election and the political transition that it marked. Mark R. Cheathem's book provides a comprehensive exploration of the candidates, the issues, and the campaign tactics used by the Whig and Democratic parties. The book sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of the election and its impact on the future of the United States.

Weight: 686g
Dimension: 163 x 237 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780700635733