Presidents of the United States of America all hold different legacies for different reasons. Abraham Lincoln helped abolish slavery and unite a country; John F. Kennedy is accredited, yet was not even president or alive, for the moon landing. And poor Grover Cleveland is remembered for getting stuck in the White House bathtub. Whether the stories are true or false, the legend of most presidents live on. These legends and stories of legacy can often leave stones unturned. Many of the notable presidents in America's history live on through the American conscious due their participation in wars or uncertain times, but president James K. Polk is left out. Although President James K. Polk is overlooked by the glamor and notorieties of other American leaders, his presidency started off with very distinct goals that lead to a positive public influence. He used his executive power to reach those goals, and carved an incredible pathway for contemporary presidents.
James K. Polk's presidency took place during the crucial forbearer to the western expansion, the ideals and actions of Manifest Destiny, and the Civil War. James Knox Polk was sworn into the Presidential
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Words can often influence more of a president's legacy. One of the most influential speakers to take executive office was president Barack Obama. In his inaugural speech in 2009; President Obama referenced God having a plan for the United States by saying, "The knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny"6. He continues to feed the beast by saying, "We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense." This speech has many similarities to President Polk's. While both draw a direct connection to God, the main similarity is the idea that America and her citizens stand alone and fundamentally separate from other countries. President Polk and Obama see this as a strength but only Polk pushes it to the idea of elitism and
In the inauguration speeches of Rutherford Hayes and Donald Trump and the coronation speech by Queen Elizabeth II, the content in each one had several similarities and differences. In Trump’s speech, he made several references to religion by saying the name God and referencing the Bible because of his background of being Christian. For example, he said, “The Bible tells us how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (Trump, para. 13) in the middle of his speech and “God bless America” (Trump, para. 17) at the end of it. This is similar to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation speech because she also made many references to God due to believing in some form of Christianity. For instance, she asked the audience “to pray that
James K. Polk and the Expansionist Impulse by Sam W. Haynes Haynes’ biography of James K. Polk is a little bit different from the traditional biographical book with enumeration of important dates from life of historical figure. Instead the author takes different approach: while recounting development of Polk’s career, he looks at the Polk’s presidency through the lens of expansionism. Though he frames the 11th President as a strong adherent of aggressive territorial expansionism, Haynes also emphasises that Polk’s decisions cannot be separated from the political and social climate of his time. The author renders Polk from one side as the initiator of expansionists political moves, and from the other, as a product of contemporary social beliefs,
Now, I do not agree with most of Polk’s policies, or even his beliefs and values. As a pre-Civil War President, he was most likely a racist and prejudiced old man. However, I admire his tenacity and work ethic. He was able to pull congress together to see his plans through. In today’s government, America is stagnate,
On April 24, 1846, a Mexican army attacked American troops with no motive on U.S. soil. The United States of America was right in declaring war on Mexico because of Manifest Destiny, Mexico being aggressive, and Mexico being the ones to attack first. The first reason is Manifest Destiny. Manifest Destiny is the idea that God wanted America to extend its territory further West to the Pacific Ocean, which President James K. Polk believed in.
Abraham Lincoln was significant because of his role as the leader who protected the Union throughout the Civil War. He remained president throughout what was a difficult time period for our nation, his plans for the Reconstruction period were brought to a halt when he was assassinated in Ford’s Theatre 1865. His Emancipation Proclamation altered the atmosphere towards the war and the lives of African Americans, the purpose of the war was changed. Lincoln had other speeches that still remain important today such as the Gettysburg, he intended to join the North and South once again after the war but he never finished his work.
Andrew Jackson accomplished a great number of things during his two terms as president, however, some of his actions were quite questionable. Andrew Jackson’s early life is what made him so beloved, at first. He exemplifies an American frontier virtue of a self-made man. Considering where Jackson came from, it was a miracle that he climbed
His role during World War II established the United States ' leadership on the world stage. His 12 years in the White House set a precedent for the expansion of presidential power and redefined liberalism for
Andrew Jackson was known during his presidency due to the significant events and changes. First, he promoted democracy. To promote democracy, he allowed more citizens to take part in government (Spoil System) and vetoed the bill to renew the charter to prevent rich people from taking advantage. Also, he expanded white male suffrage (the right to vote). Second, Nullification Crisis.
By the 1900s, the word Manifest Destiny was everywhere. Every American believed that the expansion of the US was a “God-given right.” America had already doubled its size through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, but it had gotten another opportunity to expand in 1846. Texas had declared independence from Mexico in 1845, and applied for statehood. Ten years later, it was accepted into the Union and became one of the US states (province).
Presidents are elected to preform and achieve greatness in America; they serve as the commander and chief of armed forces, and they find ways in coming up with agreements regarding trade and aid along with many other things. Being the president is obviously not an easy task. Have you ever thought about who you thought the best presient of the United States of America was? According to a debate in Taking Sides written by Larry Madaras and James SoRelle they presented an argument between Phillip Shaw Paludan and Melvin E. Bradford debating if Abraham Lincoln was America’s Greatest President. Many people agreed and disagreed whether or not President Lincoln was the greatest; however the sides of two professors were part in the Taking Sides issue of yes or no.
In his inaugural speech given on January 20, 2001, George W. Bush address the country for the first time after being sworn in as the 43rd president of the United States. Millions of people from around the world tuned in to watch the president give his address. The people who voted for and against him are both wanting to hear what the president has to say. George W. Bush gives an effective inaugural address by using biblical allusions, collaborative language, and an anaphora in order to unite the country after a contentious election. Bush used biblical allusions to appeal mostly to the evangelicals who were listening to his speech.
Throughout the establishment of the United States, there have been 44 presidents whom the people elected. A particular number of these terms have been deemed as “legendary” from the accomplishment of the president and his overall impact on American society. From these presidents, the 16th has shown to be the embodiment of this legendary status. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, has achieved many accolades in his lifetime. He was our president during the Civil War, which was one of the bloodiest in history.
The 44th and first African American President, Barack Obama, in his Inaugural Address, promotes a call to action. Obama’s purpose is to express his gratitude for his opportunity to become president and discuss his plans for economic advancement. In order to reach the American people of the U.S., Obama adopts a serious and thought-provoking tone to urge them to support his plans for advancement. During this time of economic crisis, Obama clearly conveys to the American people through his use of metaphor, allusion, and anaphora, that it is time to take a stand and make a change in America.
Barack Obama’s win for President in 2009 was a historical moment for the United States. His inaugural speech was much anticipated, because this was going to set the tone for his presidency. His speech told the American people that improving the economy is one of his priorities, but there were also other areas he would like to improve like healthcare and the education system. This was a speech that was meant to persuade the American public to take action for them to rise as a nation again, and for them to put their trust into him. His message addressed a couple of specific points like his gratefulness to the American people, the different crises America is facing, how America will overcome these crises, replying to his cynics, addressing the world, and then he reminded America again to be brave like they’ve always been to overcome the hard times (5 Speechwriting Lessons from Obama's Inaugural Speech, (n.d.).