Question

Those people most opposed to President James K. Polk's expansionist program were the

A) western Democrats.
B) antislavery forces.
C) Senate Democrats.
D) supporters of Nicholas P. Trist.
E) proslavery Whigs.

Answer 1

The antislavery forces were the primary opponents to President James K. Polk's expansionist program, as expansion raised the contentious issue of extending slavery into new territories. The correct answer is option B).

Step-by-step explanation:

Those people most opposed to President James K. Polk's expansionist program were the antislavery forces. While the Democrats generally favored territorial expansion, the Whigs resisted it primarily to avoid the issue of slavery expansion into new territories, which threatened their party's unity. The annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War sparked further antislavery opposition, as it was seen as a means to extend slave territory. Strong objections also came from the Liberty Party, the Free-Soil Party, and eventually the Republican Party, all of which aimed to prevent the westward expansion of slavery.