Lecture on John Tyler and James K. Polk (1840-1848)

Election of 1840

• Tippecanoe and Tyler Too: Whigs nominate William Henry Harrison (war hero) for President and John Tyler (former Democrat) for Vice President.
• William Henry Harrison's Death: Harrison dies after 32 days in office due to illness post inaugural address.
• John Tyler Becomes President: First VP to ascend due to death of a president, holds Democrat beliefs causing friction with Whigs.

John Tyler's Presidency (1841-1845)

• Whig Party Conflict: Blocks Whig goals, vetoes bank bill, ends independent treasury system.
• Cabinet Resignation: Entire cabinet resigns due to disagreements.
• Annexation of Texas: Tyler attempts to annex Texas to gain support, defeated in Congress.

Election of 1844

• James K. Polk: Dark horse candidate, wins against Henry Clay (Whig Party).

James K. Polk's Presidency (1845-1849)

• Annexation of Texas: Achieved through joint resolution before Polk takes office.
• Key Goals of Polk:
  • Lower the tariff.
  • Manifest Destiny: national expansion.
  • Oregon and California acquisition.

Manifest Destiny

• Definition: America's destiny to expand and civilize the continent.
• Implications: Ignored Native Americans and Mexicans, rooted in racial superiority.

Oregon Dispute

• Campaign Promise: 54-40 or fight, resolved peacefully via Oregon Treaty of 1846.
• Boundary Agreement: Set at the 49th parallel with concessions to England.

Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

• Background: Tensions with Mexico over Texas boundaries and failed purchase of California.
• Polk's Actions: Sends Zachary Taylor to disputed territory, leads to war.
• Domestic Opposition: Northern Whigs and Democrats oppose war, view as expansion of slavery.
  • Spot Resolution: Challenged by Abraham Lincoln.
  • Wilmot Proviso: Proposal to ban slavery in new territories, fails in Senate.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)

• United States Gains: California, New Mexico, and Southwest territories.
• Mexican Concessions: Recognizes Rio Grande as border, loses half of its territory.
• Consequences: Strains US-Mexico relations, renews slavery debates in US politics.

Additional Notes

• Western expansion complicates slavery issue, rooted in earlier actions like the Louisiana Purchase.
• Lecture based on American history chapters, preparation for AP US History (APUSH) exam.
• Encouragement to subscribe and engage with educational content.