After eking out a narrow victory in 1844, James K. Polk set out to transform the country. Polk vowed to serve for only one term, a pledge that freed him to pursue his often-controversial goals without concern for re-election. Polk had four objectives. Two dealt with economic policy, and two dealt with expansion.
On the economic front, Polk embraced Democratic policies that emphasized decentralization. He wanted to establish an independent Treasury modeled on Van Burenâ??s proposal from 1836. He also aimed to reduce tariffs, a measure that appealed to the Southern and largely agricultural wing of his party. Within a year, Polk realized both promises, an accomplishment that reflected his deft political skills.
Expansion proved more difficult. The acquisition and political organization of new territory raised the increasingly divisive question of slavery. Polk was an ardent expansionist, but he knew he had to plan his moves in this area with care.
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