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198229 https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.2.N.198229 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ All Rights Reserved 2024 105 pages Masters Thesis Academic theses Text eng Garapic, Scott Sheehan, Colleen Zuckert, Michael Porwancher, Andrew Arizona State University Partial requirement for: M.A., Arizona State University, 2024 Field of study: Liberal Studies Despite accomplishing substantial territorial gains and economic progress during his single term as president from 1845 to 1849, James K. Polk remains an underrated and controversial figure in American history. This thesis examines the paradox of how Polk's nationalist zeal motivated significant achievements like the acquisitions of Texas, California, New Mexico, and Oregon, as well as reductions in tariff rates and the establishment of a federal depository system. Yet, his moral deficiencies and pro-Southern biases ultimately diminished his legacy and credibility. Through analysis of Polk's background, influences, beliefs, management approach, and correspondence, the central research question is explored: Why is Polk generally ranked as an average to below-average president despite his significant accomplishments? Key findings imply that while Polk's nationalist passion thrust him to ambitious expansionist triumphs, his lack of dignity, mistreatment of enslaved people and Native Americans, and overly aggressive stances toward Mexico and Britain undermined his standing. The thesis provides evidence that Polk's moral shortcomings overshadowed his tangible successes in office. His pro-Southern partisan agenda prioritizing slavery's extension into new territories violated fundamental ethics. Although Polk used Manifest Destiny and nationalism to get him elected and to wage a war with Mexico, his integrity and legacy were destroyed by Manifest Destiny and his style of nationalism. Ultimately, Polk's groundbreaking achievements were outweighed by his evident moral failures, leading to his relatively low presidential rankings. American History Ethics Epistemology Correspondences James K. Polk Morality nationalism Paradox "Who Was James K. Polk?" Nationalism, Morality, and the Pursuit of Unattainable Greatness