U.S. presidential election, 1844

The U.S. presidential election of 1844 was the first election to see an incumbent President seek nomination and fail to receive it. John Tyler achieved this dubious distinction, abandoned by his native Democratic party and despised by his adopted Whigs.

Related Topics:
President - John Tyler - Democratic - Whigs

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Democratic nominee James K. Polk campaigned vigorously, surprising many with his stalwart support of westward expansion, an issue that Whig nominee Henry Clay and others attempted to deflect. His campaign slogan "54 40 or fight!" referred to the desired northern boundary of the Oregon Territory at the 54th parallel, 40 minutes, well north of the boundary set by the Oregon Treaty of 1846. Polk's boldness paid off with his election on November 5, 1844, garnering 170 electoral votes to Clay's 105.

Related Topics:
James K. Polk - Henry Clay - Oregon Territory - Oregon Treaty - 1846 - November 5 - 1844

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Despite his relative obscurity, historians today see Polk as one of America's most effective Presidents. In his four years in office (he refused to seek re-election), he accomplished every major goal he had established during the 1844 campaign.

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