Last Best Hope of Earth

Tag: George Bancroft

  • The Reception of the Mexican-American War

    hon-_garrett_davis2c_ky_-_nara_-_528757
    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.

    (more…)

  • The Start of the Mexican-American War

    war_news_from_mexico
    War News From Mexico. By: Richard Caton Woodville.

    On the evening of April 24, 1846, Captain Seth Thornton and 68 American dragoons “went to confirm intelligence that a Mexican military force had crossed the Rio Grande” just miles away from where Brigadier General Zachary Taylor was camped. Daniel Walker Howe, What Hath God Wrought: Transformation of America, 1815-1848, 731.

    (more…)

  • The Most Effective President

    1-james-k-polk-inauguration-granger
    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.

    (more…)

  • Election of 1844: Polk Prevails

    polk_dallas_campaign_banner
    Campaign Banner for James Polk and George Dallas.

    Throughout the first  twelve days of November of 1844, the population voted for the next president. Voters had to pick between the Democrat, James Polk, the Whig, Henry Clay, and the Liberty Party’s candidate, James Birney. See Daniel Walker Howe, What Hath God Wrought: Transformation of America, 1815-1848, 688.

    (more…)