James K. Polk

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JamesKnoxPolk

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James Polk restored.jpg Portrait by Mathew Brady, 1849

James Knox Polk (November 2, 1795 – June 15, 1849) was the 11th President of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 13th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and as the 9th Governor of Tennessee.

Early Life and Education

James K. Polk was born in Pineville, North Carolina, and later moved to Tennessee with his family. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated with honors in 1818. After studying law under renowned attorney Felix Grundy, Polk was admitted to the bar in 1820.

Political Career

Polk began his political career in the Tennessee House of Representatives before being elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1825. He served as Speaker of the House from 1835 to 1839, becoming a prominent supporter of Andrew Jackson and his policies.

In 1839, Polk was elected Governor of Tennessee, a position he held until 1841. His tenure as governor was marked by his advocacy for internal improvements and education reform.

Presidency (1845–1849)

Polk won the presidency in 1844 as a dark horse candidate, defeating Henry Clay of the Whig Party. His presidency is noted for its significant territorial expansion of the United States, including the annexation of Texas, the acquisition of Oregon Territory, and the conclusion of the Mexican-American War, which resulted in the U.S. gaining territories that would become California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.

Domestic Policies

Polk's domestic policies focused on reducing tariffs, re-establishing an independent U.S. Treasury, and promoting westward expansion. He was a staunch advocate of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent.

Foreign Policies

Polk's foreign policies were largely centered on territorial expansion. The Oregon Treaty of 1846 with Great Britain established the 49th parallel as the boundary between the U.S. and British North America. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War in 1848, ceding vast territories to the United States.

Later Life and Death

After leaving office, Polk retired to his home in Nashville, Tennessee. His health declined rapidly, and he died of cholera on June 15, 1849, just three months after leaving the presidency. He was initially buried in the grounds of his home, Polk Place, but his remains were later moved to the Tennessee State Capitol.

Legacy

Polk is often regarded as one of the most effective one-term presidents in American history. His administration's accomplishments in expanding the nation's territory and his firm stance on key issues have left a lasting impact on the United States.

Related Pages

• Andrew Jackson
• Mexican-American War
• Manifest Destiny
• Oregon Treaty
• Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
• Democratic Party (United States)
• Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
• Governor of Tennessee

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