The 1844 Presidential Election was a significant political event in the United States, primarily featuring the Democratic candidate James K. Polk and the Whig candidate Henry Clay. Polk, a strong proponent of westward expansion and the concept of Manifest Destiny, won the election with a focus on issues like the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon. The election was marked by intense debates over territorial expansion and slavery. Polk's victory reflected the growing desire among Americans for new land and opportunities, while Clay's campaign struggled to unify his party's stance on these contentious issues. Ultimately, Polk's win set the stage for significant changes in U.S. territory.