Primary sourceSpeech4 March 1845
Inaugural Address of James K. Polk
James K. Polk · 4 March 1845
Polk's 1845 inaugural address, in which he laid out his expansionist agenda on Oregon and Texas as he took office as president.
Polk's own inaugural address, delivered as he began his presidency and announced his expansionist goals.
About this source
What it is
This is the speech James K. Polk delivered on 4 March 1845 upon becoming president of the United States. It is held by the Library of Congress.
Why it matters
In this address Polk claimed a 'clear and unquestionable' American title to the Oregon Country and defended the annexation of Texas, setting out the expansionist policies that would define his presidency and lead toward war with Mexico and a boundary settlement with Britain.
Look closer
- Why might Polk emphasize his youth and the responsibility of his office at the start of his speech?
- What does his language about Oregon tell you about how confident he was in the American claim?
- What might this speech leave out about the people already living in the territories he discusses?
This speech is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of James K. Polk on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
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