Tyrant or Great Leader?

Tyrant or Great Leader?

In his fourth annual message to Congress in December of 1848, James K. Polk said, “No president who performs his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure.” (Polk) This statement was the summary of the his whole presidency term. Polk was a President, that not only cared for the reputation of the prestigious United States of America, but he also stressed for the well being and benefit of the American people as a whole. In going to war with Mexico, for the territories of California and New Mexico, President Polk was merely looking out for the fast growing population and trying to expand the United States so they could have more ports and markets to supply the ever-growing population. Along with this expansion it would give the American people a sense of security and mobility. Though actions during his presidency were questionable and even made him seem like a tyrant, his measures were merely for the American people, not for his own profit.

President Polk was the 11th president of the United States and was Speaker of the House and Governor of Tennessee prior to presidency. President Polk was also referred to as the last strong president until the Civil War. Polk signed the Walker Tariff that brought nearly free trade to the country until 1861. Scholars have even gone as far as to have ranked him as the 8th greatest president as far as setting goals and achieving them all. (Whitehouse.gov) Through all of Polk’s attempts at creating a better America, it exemplifies he was only had the United States best interest in mind.

In 1846, before going to war with Mexico, Polk sent diplomat, John Slidell, to go bargain with Mexico for the territories of California and New Mexico. This offering caused conflict in Mexico because they believed he was coming back for additional land and not the return of Texas. (Lincoln) Polk sent troops into the area between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande to pressure Mexico into negotiation. In May of 1846, Slidell returned to Washington, but in bitter conditions by the Mexican government. Enraged by this act of disrespect, Polk was insulted and viewed it as an “ample of war.” (Quaife) Days before submitting the Declaration of War, Mexican troops slaughtered 11 American troops and the declaration was approved. (Lone-star.net) These actions showed that Polk was trying to come about the situation in a mature manner by negotiating with Mexico. When Mexico suddenly killed American troops, Polk no longer viewed the situation as a peaceful matter, but in the safety of the U.S., a reason for war. One of Polk’s reasons for going to war was for the safety of his country which shows he was all about making America a better country by protecting his people.

The war with Mexico was also a dispute for land. Polk promoted the idea of Manifest Destiny in order to accommodate the increasing population of