In the middle of the 1844 presidential election, an explosive story that some believed would transform the presidential campaign appeared in the national media. Instead, it turned out to be a piece of disinformation that proved to be far less consequential than if it had been true.
The 1844 Democratic National Convention
As the 1844 Democratic National Convention was scheduled to begin in Baltimore on Monday, May 27, Henry D. Gilpin wrote to Martin Van Buren, “we are in the midst of the most reckless and desperate system of political intrigue that I have ever witnessed.” Several names were being considered for the party’s presidential nomination. Former … Continue reading The 1844 Democratic National Convention
The Day That Changed the 1844 Presidential Election
In many ways, Saturday, April 27, was the most consequential day in the 1844 presidential election. By the time the sun set, a presumptive presidential aspirant found himself confronting an emerging political issue that significantly threatened his chances of winning the White House, while another had virtually ended his chances of being nominated by his … Continue reading The Day That Changed the 1844 Presidential Election
The Origin of Who Is James K. Polk?
Ultimately, I arrived at the same conclusion with which I started: the 1844 presidential election was an overlooked, yet crucial, step move toward the Civil War.
Book Cover for Who Is James K. Polk?
After a much longer time than I wanted or expected, my newest book is scheduled to come out later this year. Entitled Who Is James K. Polk? The Presidential Election of 1844, it is part of the University Press of Kansas' American Presidential Elections series. It includes coverage of all five presidential candidates in 1844—Polk, … Continue reading Book Cover for Who Is James K. Polk?
Jacksonian America: Society, Personality, and Politics 