Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson

His Ideals, Actions, and Effectiveness

as a United States President

Gene McNeil

HIS232, Session 2

Facilitator: Chris Quinn

February 25, 2008

Abstract

Thomas Jefferson's presidency radically changed the course of American politics in the nineteenth century. He was an effective and popular president during his two terms in office. His ideals for changing the structure of the fledgling American government were vitally important during this point in history.

Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States. He served two terms in office from 1801 through 1809. He is considered to be one of the key founding fathers of our country. Serving in each of the previous presidential cabinets, Jefferson was a major political player during the birth of this nation. Convinced that the British-style of rule was the determining factor for the American Revolution, he was determined to keep the country from following this same path.

Though a supporter of George Washington, Jefferson strongly opposed the Federalist ideology of governing. He was a staunch advocate of minimizing any type of a strong, centralized influence on the people of America. in stark contrast to the Though his ideals regarding the structure of the United States government were based on minimizing a centralized gohe advocated equality for all men, some of his actions conveyed the contrary. His tenacious work ethic literally formed the western United States. Though criticized for not addressing the issue of slavery which ultimately led to the United States Civil War, Polk was one of the most driven presidents in the history of the United States. His vision of Manifest Destiny was accomplished during his single term in office through hard work and his desire to succeed.

The History

Born in 1795, James K. Polk grew up in Tennessee. With four years of Tennessee legislature experience, he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1825. He continued to serve in this capacity until March 1839. In 1939, he won the governorship of Tennessee. After two unsuccessful attempts to remain the governor of Tennessee, Polk ran for President in 1845. As the first "dark horse" candidate, Polk, in a close race, surprised many by beating the Whig party's favorite, Henry Clay (Holt, 2004, page 129).

The Man's Beliefs

As a "Jacksonian Democrat", Polk believed that the government was tasked with promoting economic growth for the country. President Polk wanted America to grow and prosper. In such, Polk dedicated his presidency to expanding the borders of the United States. It was Polk's belief that the United States needed to span from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean in order to prosper. This belief is known as Manifest Destiny.

While campaigning, James K. Polk vowed to serve only one term as president. His promise to serve for only four years pressed him to fast track his presidential agenda.

When Polk took office in 1845, he told his Navy Secretary George Bancroft that he had four goals while president: reducing tariffs to levels that would produce only necessary government revenue; reestablishing the Independent Treasury; settling the Oregon boundary with England; and acquiring California, then a Mexican possession (Holt, 2004, page 133).

Geographic Expansion

Though geographic expansion topped Polk's list as his primary focus, his goals of reducing tariffs and reestablishing the Independent Treasury were very important. He believed that these two issues would assist with his ultimate goal of economic prosperity for America. In such, Polk pressed the congress to pass these items within his first year of being president. He was successful. This paved the way for Polk to focus his efforts on expanding the country's geography during the remainder of his term in office.

Fortunately for Polk, the decision on annexing Texas was made by his predecessor President John Tyler. During Tyler's last days in office, he decided to bring Texas into the Union as one large, slave state. Polk honored Tyler's decision and fought it through Congress to completion. Many in politics distrusted Polk