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In 1844 he ran against James K. Polk , an avowed expansionist. Earlier Clay had publicly opposed the annexation of Texas, and he restated his position in the "Alabama letters," agreeing to annexation if it could be accomplished with the common consent of the Union and without war. This maneuver probably lost him New York state, with which he could have won the election. His failure was crushing for him and for the Whig party. In 1848 his party refused him its nomination, feeling that he had no chance, and his presidential aspirations were never fulfilled.

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13y ago
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14y ago

his attempt to straddle the Texas annexation issue lost him votes to the antislavery Liberty party in New York (accoridng to web assign)

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Q: Why did Henry Clay lost the election of 1844 to James Polk?
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Related questions

Who lost the election to James Polk?

In the 1844 presidential election Polk's opponent was Henry Clay of Kentucky. He was a member of the Whig party.


When was James K. Polk elected?

James Knox Polk defeated Henry Clay in the election of 1844.


How many votes did the canedates get in 1844?

James Polk won the 1844 presidential election defeating Henry Clay. In the 1844 presidential election James Polk received 170 electoral votes and Henry Clay received 105 electoral votes. The popular vote totals were Polk 1,339,494 and Clay 1,300,004.


Who was elected in 1844 a dark horse?

James K. Polk was the dark horse candidate in the 1844 U. S. presidential election. He ended up winning, defeating Henry Clay.


Who was elected in 1844 as dark horse?

James K. Polk was the dark horse candidate in the 1844 U. S. presidential election. He ended up winning, defeating Henry Clay.


How many electoral votes did James K. Polk get?

James Polk won the 1844 presidential election defeating Henry Clay. In the 1844 presidential election James Polk received 170 electoral votes and Henry Clay received 105 electoral votes. The popular vote totals were Polk 1,339,494 and Clay 1,300,004.


Who was elected in the 1844 as a dark horse or little-known candidate?

James K. Polk was the dark horse candidate in the 1844 U. S. presidential election. He ended up winning, defeating Henry Clay.


The main issue in the election of 1844 was expansionism true or false?

True, the largest issue in the election of 1844 was expansion. Whig Party representative Henry Clay was opposed to expansion, while democratic nominee James Polk claimed that they had the right to annex any land that was willing. It was that mindset that helped James Polk win the election.


Who were the candidates during the 1844 election?

1844 Presidential ElectionThe candidates for the Presidential election of 1844 were; James K. Polk (Democratic) Henry Clay (Whig) and James G. Birney (Liberty). James K. Polk won the election to become the 11th President of the United States. President Polk was in office from March 4, 1845 to March 4, 1849. His Vice President was George M. Dallas.


Why was westward expansion such an important issue in electipn 1844?

The Westward expansion was very important during the election of 1844, because sectionalism was continuing to grow in the country. While Henry Clay objected to the annexation of Texas, his opponent, James Polk supported it, and won the election as a result.


What was the small antislavery party that took enough votes from Henry Clay to cost him the election of 1844?

The Liberty Party


Small antislavery party that took enough votes from Henry Clay to cost him the election of 1844?

Liberty Party