Manifest Destiny and Its Critics.pdf - Mr. Mermelstein's classes

Student ActivitySource Analysis: Primary Source Document 9Part of President James K. Polk’s inaugural address, March 4, 1845.ContextualizingPolk says the U.S. claim to the Oregonterritory is “clear and unquestionable,” yetit still was being questioned. Who elsewas still claiming title to all or parts ofthis territory?Polk justifies his claim in part by sayingthat “already are our people preparing toperfect that title by occupying it with theirwives and children.” What do you knowabout settlers and the use of the OregonTrail? How does this knowledge help tounderstand what Polk is referring to here?Interpreting meaningsIn what ways does this statement fit withor seem similar to the views expressed byJohn Louis O’Sullivan in Primary SourceDocument 1? Choose two or threesentences or phrases that seem closest inthought and feeling to O’Sullivan’s viewsin that document. Explain your choices.Point of viewPolk says, “The world beholds the peacefultriumphs of the industry of our emigrants.”Do you think this statement is just Polk’sbiased and inaccurate point of view? Doyou think it is both partly true and partlyfalse, or do you think it is largely true andaccurate? Explain your answer.Manifest Destiny and Its Critics | The Historian’s Apprentice 27