The Election of 1844 Explained

The video discusses the 1844 U.S. presidential election, focusing on the candidates James K. Polk and Henry Clay. It provides background on the political climate, including the annexation of Texas and the issue of slavery. The Whig Party, led by Henry Clay, focused on infrastructure and economic issues, while the Democratic Party, led by James K. Polk, emphasized manifest destiny and the expansion of slavery. The election was closely contested, with Polk winning both the electoral and popular votes. The outcome led to significant events like the Mexican War and heightened sectional tensions.

Who were the main candidates in the election of 1844?

• William Henry Harrison and John Calhoun

• James K. Polk and Henry Clay

• Andrew Jackson and John Tyler

• Martin Van Buren and Zachary Taylor

What major issue did John Tyler's presidency bring to the forefront?

• The annexation of Texas

• The Missouri Compromise

• The National Bank

• Infrastructure spending

What was Henry Clay's position on the annexation of Texas?

• He wanted immediate annexation

• He opposed it due to its potential to divide the country

• He was indifferent to it

• He strongly supported it

What was the slogan for Henry Clay's campaign?

• Hurray for Clay and Frelinghuysen

• Manifest Destiny with Polk

• Liberty and Justice for All

• Annexation Now

Who emerged as the Democratic candidate after the eighth ballot?

• James K. Polk

• John Tyler

• Martin Van Buren

• Andrew Jackson

What strategy did James K. Polk use to appeal to Northern Democrats?

• Supporting the National Bank

• Opposing the Mexican War

• Annexing Oregon as a free state

• Promising to abolish slavery

How did James K. Polk portray Henry Clay during the campaign?

• As a friend of the black man

• As a strong leader

• As a drunkard and womanizer

• As a supporter of annexation

What was the outcome of the electoral vote in the 1844 election?

• The election was decided by the Supreme Court

• It was a tie

• Henry Clay won with 170 electoral votes

• James K. Polk won with 170 electoral votes

Which party's votes were crucial in swinging the election in favor of James K. Polk?

• The Whig Party

• The Liberty Party

• The Democratic Party

• The Republican Party

What major event did James K. Polk's presidency lead to?

• The Civil War

• The Spanish-American War

• The Mexican War

• The War of 1812