The document summarizes several US presidential elections between 1840-1844. In 1840, Whig candidate William Henry Harrison defeated Democrat Martin Van Buren. Van Buren was unpopular due to an economic panic. In 1844, Democrat James K. Polk defeated Whig Henry Clay on a platform of expansionism, which led to the annexation of Texas and war with Mexico. Polk achieved his goals of lowering tariffs, resolving the Oregon boundary dispute, reestablishing the independent treasury, and acquiring California before the end of his term in 1848.

1. The Election of 1840 Adapted from Ms. Susan M. Pojer Horace Greeley H. S. Chappaqua, NY

2. DEMS --> Martin Van Buren Jackson’s Hand picked successor in 1836 Financial Panic early in term

3. Van Buren refuses Whig request for financial help

5. WHIGS --> John Tyler, VP Afterthought Added to ticket to get Southern support

6. “ Tippecanoe, and Tyler, Too!”

8. Election of

10. The Election of 1844

12. Dems --> James Knox Polk “Young Hickory” Pro-Expansion

13. Whigs --> Henry Clay Doesn’t take firm stand on TX

14. Liberty Party--> James Birney Anti-slavery 62,000 votes (mainly from Clay, making him lose NY & Presidency)

15. “ Texas Coming In”

16. 1844 Election Results

18. “ JAME S K. POLK” by They Might Be Giants In 1844, the Democrats were split The three nominees for the presidential candidate Were Martin Van Buren, a former president and an abolitionist James Buchanan, a moderate Lewis Cass, a general and expansionist From Nashville came a dark horse riding up He was James K. Polk , Napoleon of the Stump !

21. “ JAME S K. POLK” by They Might Be Giants In four short years he met his every goal He seized the whole southwest from Mexico Made sure the tariffs fell And made the English sell the Oregon Territory He built an independent treasury Having done all this he sought no second term But precious few have mourned the passing of Mister James K. Polk , our eleventh president “Young Hickory,” Napoleon of the Stump !