One of the most outspoken Representatives in the House of Representatives, John Quincy Adams, had opposed the declaration of war on Mexico and fought President James Polk’s policies for the duration of his presidency.
Tag: Congress
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Lincoln’s Spot Resolutions
Political Cartoon Depicting Abraham Lincoln. At the end of the Mexican-American War, President James Polk proposed taking as much as Mexico’s land as possible. However, he proposed this plan to a majority Whig House of Representatives.
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The Whig Revolution
The County Election. By: George Caleb Bingham. With the Mexican-American War well underway, the midterm elections in 1846-47 were bound to be consequential.
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The Wilmot Proviso
David Wilmot. President James Polk, expecting a fast resolution to the Mexican-American War, “requested from Congress in August 1846 a $2 million appropriation for ‘defraying any extraordinary expenses which may be incurred in the intercourse between the United States and foreign nations.’” Daniel Walker Howe, What Hath God Wrought: Transformation of America, 1815-1848, 766 quoting James Polk, Diary, II, 76-77 (Aug. 10, 1846). Shortly after Congress followed this instruction and drafted a bill, David Wilmot of Pennsylvania introduced an amendment to specify that slavery would not be lawful in any territory acquired. See Daniel Walker Howe, What Hath God Wrought: Transformation of America, 1815-1848, 767.
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A Conspiracy Emerges
James Polk. Amidst the Mexican-American War, a conspiracy emerged involving President James Polk and the exiled leader of Mexico, Santa Anna. Not only would this conspiracy embolden Whigs but Democrats would also come down on President Polk for his actions.
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The Reception of the Mexican-American War
Garrett Davis. By: Mathew Brady. Following President James Polk’s announcement of war with Mexico, and Congress’ declaration of war, those in the Whig Party and those around the country had significantly different views of the war.
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The Most Effective President
Inauguration of James Polk. By: Granger. James Polk, after winning the Election of 1844, set an agenda for what he hoped to accomplish during his presidency. Rather than elaborate on this agenda during his inaugural address, President Polk instead remained secretive. See Daniel Walker Howe, What Hath God Wrought: Transformation of America, 1815-1848, 708.
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Constitution Sunday: Refutation of the “Federal Farmer”: Timothy Pickering to Charles Tillinghast
Refutation of the “Federal Farmer”: Timothy Pickering to Charles Tillinghast
Philadelphia, December 24, 1787
Following are excerpts from Timothy Pickering’s letter to Charles Tillinghast, refuting the “Federal Farmer”:
“In respect to the organization of the general government, the federal farmer, as well as other opposers, object to (more…)
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The Legacy of the Whig Party
The New York Tribune, a Whig Newspaper, Endorsing its Candidates. Following the Election of 1840, members of the Whig Party must have been optimistic about their future. They likely imagined that the dominance of the Jacksonian Democrats could be replicated within the ranks of the Whigs and supplant the Democrats. It was not to be, however.
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The Emergence of Bankruptcy
The Bankruptcy Act of 1841. In the wake of the Panics of 1837 and 1839, Congress sent the White House a new bill to be signed into law: The Bankruptcy Act of 1841. See Daniel Walker Howe, What Hath God Wrought: Transformation of America, 1815-1848, 593. From then on, bankruptcy would be part of American life, providing an option for when debts become overwhelming.
Last Best Hope of Earth 