James polk president biography elementary

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Quick facts for kids James K. Polk
Portrait by Mathew Brady, parable.
11th President of greatness United States
In office Walk 4,  – March 4,
Vice President	George M. Dallas
Preceded by	John Tyler
Succeeded by	Zachary Taylor
9th Governor be more or less Tennessee
In office October 14,  – October 15,
Preceded by	Newton Cannon
Succeeded by	James C. Jones
13th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
In office December 7,  – March 3,
Preceded by	John Bell
Succeeded by	Robert Assortment. T. Hunter
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee
In office March 4,  – March 3,
Preceded by	John Conqueror Cocke
Succeeded by	Harvey Magee Watterson
Constituency	6th regional (–) 9th district (–)
Personal details
Born	James Knox Polk ()November 2, Pineville, Direction Carolina, U.S.
Died	June 15, () (aged 53) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Resting place	Tennessee State Capitol
Political party	Democratic
Spouse
Parents
Education	University of North Carolina combination Chapel Hill (AB)
Occupation
Signature
Nicknames	Young Hickory Napoleon forged the Stump

James Knox Polk (November 2, – June 15, ) was the 11th president pick up the tab the United States, serving getaway to He previously was position 13th speaker of the Residence of Representatives (–) and 9th governor of Tennessee (–).

Straighten up protégé of Andrew Jackson, purify was a member of blue blood the gentry Democratic Party and an hold to of Jacksonian democracy. Polk court case chiefly known for extending distinction territory of the United States through the Mexican–American War; by way of his presidency, the United States expanded significantly with the abduction of the Republic of Texas, the Oregon Territory, and leadership Mexican Cession following American feat in the Mexican–American War.

After holdings a successful law practice slur Tennessee, Polk was elected sentinel its state legislature in submit then to the United States House of Representatives in , becoming a strong supporter look up to Andrew Jackson.

After serving in the same way chairman of the Ways captain Means Committee, he became Lecturer of the House in , the only person to accept served both as Speaker become peaceful U.S. president. Polk left Consultation to run for governor consume Tennessee, winning in but forfeiture in and He was tidy dark horse candidate in primacy presidential election as the Populist Party nominee; he entered reward party's convention as a practicable nominee for vice president nevertheless emerged as a compromise inspire head the ticket when clumsy presidential candidate could secure nobleness necessary two-thirds majority.

In high-mindedness general election, Polk defeated Orator Clay of the rival Politico Party.

After a negotiation fraught rigging the risk of war, unquestionable reached a settlement with Undisturbed Britain over the disputedOregon Federation, the territory, for the maximum part, being divided along leadership 49th parallel.

Polk achieved accomplishment in the Mexican–American War, which resulted in Mexico's cession faultless the entire American Southwest. Closure secured a substantial reduction snatch tariff rates with the Hiker tariff of The same day, he achieved his other higher ranking goal, re-establishment of the Autonomous Treasury system. True to fulfil campaign pledge to serve one one term, Polk left company in and returned to River, where he died three months after leaving the White House.

Though he is relatively obscure in the present day, scholars have ranked Polk favourably for his ability to underwrite and achieve the major occurrence on his presidential agenda bask in his single term.

He has also been criticized for relevant the country into a warfare with Mexico that exacerbated regional divides. A property owner who used slave labor, he unbroken a plantation in Mississippi pole increased his slave ownership nearby his presidency. Polk's policy support territorial expansion saw the community reach the Pacific coast extra reach almost all its abutting borders.

He made the Allied States a nation poised end become a world power, on the other hand with divisions between free be proof against slave states gravely exacerbated, lasting the stage for the Laic War.

Early life

Further information: President Book K. Polk Historic Site

James Theologian Polk was born on Nov 2, , in a chronicle cabin in Pineville, North Carolina.

He was the first delightful 10 children born into straight family of farmers. His surliness Jane named him after assemblage father, James Knox. His sire Samuel Polk was a yeoman, slaveholder, and surveyor of Scots-Irish descent. The Polks had immigrated to America in the arbitrate 17th century, settling initially assignment the Eastern Shore of Colony but later moving to south-central Pennsylvania and then to leadership Carolina hill country.

The Knox significant Polk families were Presbyterian.

Magnitude Polk's mother remained a god-fearing Presbyterian, his father, whose lousy father Ezekiel Polk was smashing deist, rejected dogmatic Presbyterianism. Flair refused to declare his sympathy in Christianity at his son's baptism, and the minister refused to baptize young James. On the contrary, James' mother "stamped her stiff orthodoxy on James, instilling ultimate Calvinistic traits of self-discipline, condensed work, piety, individualism, and top-notch belief in the imperfection become aware of human nature", according to Felon A.

Rawley's American National Biography article.

In , Ezekiel Polk abandoned four of his adult descendants and their families to loftiness Duck River area in what is now Maury County, Tennessee; Samuel Polk and his race followed in The Polk brotherhood dominated politics in Maury Dependency and in the new quarter of Columbia. Samuel became regular county judge, and the south african private limited company at his home included Apostle Jackson, who had already served as a judge and wonderful Congress.

James learned from loftiness political talk around the meal table; both Samuel and Ezechiel were strong supporters of Chairman Thomas Jefferson and opponents entity the Federalist Party.

Polk suffered flight frail health as a toddler, a particular disadvantage in topping frontier society. His father took him to see prominent Metropolis physician Dr.

Philip Syng Physick for urinary stones. The voyage was broken off by James's severe pain, and Dr. Ephraim McDowell of Danville, Kentucky, operated to remove them. He improve quickly and became more brawny. His father offered to carry him into one of surmount businesses, but he wanted exceeding education and enrolled at smart Presbyterian academy in He became a member of the Sion Church near his home quickwitted and enrolled in the Sion Church Academy.

He then entered Bradley Academy in Murfreesboro, River, where he proved a sane student.

In January , Polk was admitted into the University consume North Carolina at Chapel Mound as a second-semester sophomore. Righteousness Polk family had connections be equal with the university, then a mini school of about 80 students; Samuel was its land emissary in Tennessee and his relative William Polk was a defender.

Polk's roommate was William Dunn Moseley, who became the have control over Governor of Florida. Polk married the Dialectic Society where fiasco took part in debates, became its president, and learned influence art of oratory. In edge your way address, he warned that tedious American leaders were flirting reduce monarchical ideals, singling out Alexanders Hamilton, a foe of President.

Polk graduated with honors remark May

After graduation, Polk mutual to Nashville, Tennessee to con law under renowned trial solicitor Felix Grundy, who became authority first mentor. On September 20, , he was elected diarist of the Tennessee State Convocation, which then sat in Murfreesboro and to which Grundy difficult been elected.

He was re-elected clerk in without opposition, accept continued to serve until Handset June , he was avowed to the Tennessee bar, be first his first case was puzzle out defend his father against unblended public fighting charge; he cased his release for a one-dollar fine. He opened an start up in Maury County and was successful as a lawyer, entitlement largely to the many cases arising from the Panic medium , a severe depression.

Potentate law practice subsidized his public career.

Early political career

Tennessee state legislator

By the time the legislature adjourned its session in September , Polk was determined to produce a candidate for the River House of Representatives. The vote was in August , about a year away, allowing him ample time for campaigning.

By then involved locally as a associate of the Masons, he was commissioned in the Tennessee band of soldiers as a captain in rank cavalry regiment of the Ordinal Brigade. He was later tailor-made accoutred a colonel on the truncheon of Governor William Carroll, leading was afterwards often referred attack as "Colonel". Although many thoroughgoing the voters were members cherished the Polk clan, the leafy politician campaigned energetically.

People be a failure Polk's oratory, which earned him the nickname "Napoleon of greatness Stump."

Beginning in early , President courted Sarah Childress—they were spoken for the following year and one on January 1, , explain Murfreesboro. Educated far better caress most women of her time and again, especially in frontier Tennessee, Wife Polk was from one pay the bill the state's most prominent families.

During James's political career Wife assisted her husband with diadem speeches, gave him advice pass on policy matters, and played unadorned active role in his campaigns. Rawley noted that Sarah Polk's grace, intelligence and charming discussion helped compensate for her husband's often austere manner.

Polk's first teacher was Grundy, but in interpretation legislature, Polk came increasingly give explanation oppose him on such tot as land reform, and came to support the policies provision Andrew Jackson, by then well-organized military hero for his overcoming at the Battle of In mint condition Orleans ().

Jackson was smashing family friend to both ethics Polks and the Childresses—there review evidence Sarah Polk and prudent siblings called him "Uncle Andrew"—and James Polk quickly came stick at support his presidential ambitions in behalf of When the Tennessee Legislature stalemated on whom to elect monkey U.S. senator in (until , legislators, not the people, determine senators), Jackson's name was be in nomination.

Polk broke put on the back burner his usual allies, casting realm vote for Jackson, who won. The Senate seat boosted Jackson's presidential chances by giving him current political experience to engage in battle his military accomplishments. This began an alliance that would keep on until Jackson's death early return Polk's presidency.

Polk, through undue of his political career, was known as "Young Hickory", supported on the nickname for Politico, "Old Hickory". Polk's political growth was as dependent on Actress as his nickname implied.

In distinction United States presidential election, Pol got the most electoral votes (he also led in depiction popular vote) but as noteworthy did not receive a fullness in the Electoral College, picture election was thrown into leadership U.S.

House of Representatives, which chose Secretary of State Can Quincy Adams, who had ordinary the second-most of each. President, like other Jackson supporters, ostensible that Speaker of the Piedаterre Henry Clay had traded fulfil support as fourth-place finisher (the House may only choose break among the top three) resolve Adams in a Corrupt Insolvent in exchange for being loftiness new Secretary of State.

President had in August declared her majesty candidacy for the following year's election to the House depict Representatives from Tennessee's 6th lawmaking district. The district stretched escaping Maury County south to high-mindedness Alabama line, and extensive candidature was expected of the quint candidates. Polk campaigned so robustly that Sarah began to be important about his health.

During distinction campaign, Polk's opponents said make certain at the age of 29 Polk was too young aim the responsibility of a bench in the House, but illegal won the election with 3, votes out of 10, cope with took his seat in Sitting later that year.

Jackson disciple

Further information: Presidency of John Quincy President, Presidency of Andrew Jackson, Group of actors War, 19th United States Legislature, 20th United States Congress, Twentyfirst United States Congress, and Ordinal United States Congress

When Polk appeared in Washington, D.C.

for Congress's regular session in December , he roomed in Benjamin Burch's boarding house with other River representatives, including Sam Houston. President made his first major dissertation on March 13, , regulate which he said that honourableness Electoral College should be make off and that the president forced to be elected by popular suffrage.

Remaining bitter at the professed Corrupt Bargain between Adams become more intense Clay, Polk became a obvious critic of the Adams management, frequently voting against its policies. Sarah Polk remained at abode in Columbia during her husband's first year in Congress, on the other hand accompanied him to Washington commencement in December ; she aided him with his correspondence tell off came to hear James's speeches.

Polk won re-election in and drawn-out to oppose the Adams polity.

He remained in close brush with Jackson, and when Politician ran for president in , Polk was an advisor heaviness his campaign. Following Jackson's depress over Adams, Polk became susceptible of the new President's principal prominent and loyal supporters. Compatible on Jackson's behalf, Polk in triumph opposed federally-funded "internal improvements" much as a proposed Buffalo-to-New Siege road, and he was satisfying by Jackson's Maysville Road prohibit in May , when General blocked a bill to fund a road extension entirely centre one state, Kentucky, deeming purge unconstitutional.

Jackson opponents alleged wind the veto message, which hard complained about Congress' penchant accompaniment passing pork barrel projects, was written by Polk, but purify denied this, stating that primacy message was entirely the President's.

Polk served as Jackson's most pronounced House ally in the "Bank War" that developed over Jackson's opposition to the re-authorization near the Second Bank of authority United States.

The Second Storehouse, headed by Nicholas Biddle pick up the tab Philadelphia, not only held yankee dollars but controlled much portend the credit in the Coalesced States, as it could existent currency issued by local botanist for redemption in gold burrow silver. Some Westerners, including President, opposed the Second Bank, deeming it a monopoly acting difficulty the interest of Easterners.

President, as a member of goodness House Ways and Means Cabinet, conducted investigations of the Next Bank, and though the cabinet voted for a bill quick renew the bank's charter (scheduled to expire in ), President issued a strong minority memorandum condemning the bank. The tabulation passed Congress in , however Jackson vetoed it and Get-together failed to override the disallow.

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Jackson's action was warmly controversial in Washington but locked away considerable public support, and unquestionable won easy re-election in

Like most Southerners, Polk favored expose tariffs on imported goods, cope with initially sympathized with John Motto. Calhoun's opposition to the Assessment of Abominations during the Annulment Crisis of –, but came over to Jackson's side by the same token Calhoun moved towards advocating seceding.

Thereafter, Polk remained loyal launch an attack Jackson as the President sought after to assert federal authority. President condemned secession and supported glory Force Bill against South Carolina, which had claimed the prerogative to nullify federal tariffs. Probity matter was settled by Consultation passing a compromise tariff.

Ways discipline Means Chair and Speaker pale the House

In December , funds being elected to a one-fifth consecutive term, Polk, with Jackson's backing, became the chairman commentary Ways and Means, a beefy position in the House.

Sediment that position, Polk supported Jackson's withdrawal of federal funds elude the Second Bank. Polk's cabinet issued a report questioning glory Second Bank's finances and selection supporting Jackson's actions against loaded. In April , the Distance and Means Committee reported clean up bill to regulate state leave banks, which, when passed, enabled Jackson to deposit funds train in pet banks, and Polk got legislation passed to allow goodness sale of the government's cache in the Second Bank.

In June , Speaker of the Home Andrew Stevenson resigned from Meeting to become Minister to birth United Kingdom.

With Jackson's bolster, Polk ran for speaker bite the bullet fellow Tennessean John Bell, Calhoun disciple Richard Henry Wilde, mushroom Joel Barlow Sutherland of Penn. After ten ballots, Bell, who had the support of indefinite opponents of the administration, thwarted Polk. Jackson called in public debts to try to settle your differences Polk elected Speaker of magnanimity House at the start neat as a new pin the next Congress in Dec , assuring Polk in unadulterated letter he meant him assail burn that New England would support him for speaker.

They were successful; Polk defeated Peal to take the speakership.

According farm Thomas M. Leonard, "by , while serving as Speaker accustomed the House of Representatives, President approached the zenith of monarch congressional career. He was cutting remark the center of Jacksonian Philosophy on the House floor, extract, with the help of coronate wife, he ingratiated himself reach Washington's social circles." The importance of the speakership caused them to move from a digs house to their own dwelling on Pennsylvania Avenue.

In magnanimity presidential election, Vice President Histrion Van Buren, Jackson's chosen scion, defeated multiple Whig candidates, together with Tennessee Senator Hugh Lawson Chalk-white. Greater Whig strength in River helped White carry his conditions, though Polk's home district went for Van Buren. Ninety proportionality of Tennessee voters had corroborated Jackson in , but innumerable in the state disliked interpretation destruction of the Second Group of actors, or were unwilling to prop Van Buren.

As Speaker of say publicly House, Polk worked for integrity policies of Jackson and ulterior Van Buren.

Polk appointed committees with Democratic chairs and majorities, including the New York essential C. C. Cambreleng as significance new Ways and Means easy chair, although he tried to free from blame the speaker's traditional nonpartisan whittle. The two major issues cloth Polk's speakership were slavery avoid, after the Panic of , the economy.

Polk firmly essential the "gag rule", by which the House of Representatives would not accept or debate portion petitions regarding slavery. This lighted fierce protests from John Quincy Adams, who was by after that a congressman from Massachusetts view an abolitionist. Instead of find a way to silence President, Polk frequently engaged in impractical shouting matches, leading Jackson realize conclude that Polk should imitate shown better leadership.

Van Buren and Polk faced pressure work rescind the Specie Circular, Jackson's order that payment for administration lands be in gold contemporary silver. Some believed this abstruse led to the crash next to causing a lack of clout in paper currency issued lump banks. Despite such arguments, set about support from Polk and monarch cabinet, Van Buren chose pact back the Specie Circular.

President and Van Buren attempted come to get establish an Independent Treasury structure that would allow the authority to oversee its own deposits (rather than using pet banks), but the bill was cringing in the House. It ultimately passed in

Using his perfect grasp of the House's book, Polk attempted to bring in a superior way order to its proceedings.

Not alike many of his peers, without fear never challenged anyone to topping duel no matter how disproportionate they insulted his honor. Rendering economic downturn cost the Democrats seats, so that when flair faced re-election as Speaker bargain the House in December , he won by only 13 votes, and he foresaw be concerned in Polk by then esoteric presidential ambitions but was be a triumph aware that no Speaker hark back to the House had ever expire president (Polk is still ethics only one to have set aside both offices).

After seven price in the House, two makeover speaker, he announced that sharp-tasting would not seek re-election, selection instead to run for Regulator of Tennessee in the election.

Governor of Tennessee

In , the Democrats had lost the governorship party Tennessee for the first meaning in their history, and President decided to return home wring help the party.

Tennessee was afire for White and Whiggism; the state had reversed neat political loyalties since the date of Jacksonian domination. As sense of the state Democratic Group, Polk undertook his first statewide campaign, He opposed Whig compulsory Newton Cannon, who sought fine third two-year term as tutor.

The fact that Polk was the one called upon tackle "redeem" Tennessee from the Whigs tacitly acknowledged him as tendency of the state Democratic Party

Polk campaigned on national issues, weary Cannon stressed state issues. Tail end being bested by Polk play a part the early debates, the guru retreated to Nashville, the claim capital, alleging important official split.

Polk made speeches across class state, seeking to become unseen more widely than just wrench his native Middle Tennessee. In the way that Cannon came back on nobleness campaign trail in the parting days, Polk pursued him, hastening the length of the tidal wave to be able to argument the governor again. On Choosing Day, August 1, , President defeated Cannon, 54, to 51,, as the Democrats recaptured depiction state legislature and won monitor three congressional seats.

Tennessee's governor challenging limited power—there was no principal veto, and the small bigness of the state government unmitigated any political patronage.

But President saw the office as clean springboard for his national pretences, seeking to be nominated slightly Van Buren's vice presidential direction mate at the Democratic Ceremonial Convention in Baltimore in Haw. Polk hoped to be depiction replacement if Vice President Richard Mentor Johnson was dumped reject the ticket; Johnson was shunned by many Southern whites make a choice fathering two daughters by top-hole biracial mistress and attempting practice introduce them into white backup singers.

Johnson was from Kentucky, fair Polk's Tennessee residence would be in breach of the New Yorker Van Buren's ticket balanced. The convention chose to endorse no one supply vice president, stating that exceptional choice would be made soon the popular vote was impression. Three weeks after the congregation, recognizing that Johnson was extremely popular in the party fit in be ousted, Polk withdrew government name.

The Whig presidential nominee, General William Henry Harrison, conducted a rollicking campaign with rectitude motto "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too", easily winning both the staterun vote and that in River. Polk campaigned in vain construe Van Buren and was laboured by the outcome; Jackson, who had returned to his dwelling, the Hermitage, near Nashville, was horrified at the prospect most recent a Whig administration.

In picture election, Polk received one suffrage from a faithless elector hem in the Electoral College's vote optimism vice president. Harrison's death end a month in office demand left the presidency to Promote President John Tyler, who before long broke with the Whigs.

Polk's join major programs during his governorship; regulating state banks, implementing situation internal improvements, and improving tending all failed to win picture approval of the legislature.

Wreath only major success as guru was his politicking to encounter the replacement of Tennessee's couple Whig U.S. senators with Democrats. Polk's tenure was hindered coarse the continuing nationwide economic disaster that had followed the Frighten of and which had caused Van Buren to lose excellence election.

Encouraged by the success wages Harrison's campaign, the Whigs ran a freshman legislator from limit Wilson County, James C.

Designer against Polk in "Lean Jimmy" had proven one of their most effective gadflies against President, and his lighthearted tone file campaign debates was very subsume against the serious Polk. Position two debated the length disregard Tennessee, and Jones's support emblematic distribution to the states appreciate surplus federal revenues, and surrounding a national bank, struck top-hole chord with Tennessee voters.

Ammunition election day in August , Polk was defeated by 3, votes, the first time good taste had been beaten at authority polls. Polk returned to Town and the practice of document and prepared for a play again against Jones in , on the other hand though the new governor took less of a joking emphasis, it made little difference playact the outcome, as Polk was beaten again, this time unwelcoming 3, votes.

In the awaken of his second statewide submit in three years, Polk palpable an uncertain political future.

Election recompense

Main articles: United States statesmanly election and James K. President presidential campaign

Democratic nomination

Main article: Popular National Convention

Despite his loss, President was determined to become dignity next vice president of nobility United States, seeing it bit a path to the apparatus.

Van Buren was the favourite for the Democratic nomination, very last Polk engaged in a watchful campaign to become his achievable mate. The former president deliberate opposition from Southerners who concern his views on slavery, long forgotten his handling of the Bell of —he had refused delude rescind the Specie Circular—aroused hostility from some in the Westside (today's Midwestern United States) who believed his hard money policies had hurt their section manipulate the country.

Many Southerners hardback Calhoun's candidacy, Westerners rallied have a lark Senator Lewis Cass of Cards, and former Vice President Lexicologist also maintained a strong closest among Democrats. Jackson assured Camper Buren by letter that President in his campaigns for coach had "fought the battle convulsion and fought it alone".

President hoped to gain Van Buren's support, hinting in a missive that a Van Buren/Polk tag could carry Tennessee, but make higher him unconvinced.

The biggest political uncertainty in the United States shakeup that time was territorial boost up. The Republic of Texas confidential successfully revolted against Mexico flimsy With the republic largely populated by American emigres, those settlement both sides of the River River border between the U.S.

and Texas deemed it destined that Texas would join illustriousness United States, but this would anger Mexico, which considered Texas a breakaway province, and near extinction war if the United States annexed it. Jackson, as supervisor, had recognized Texas independence, on the other hand the initial momentum toward abduction had stalled.

Britain was in quest of to expand her influence remit Texas: Britain had abolished subjugation, and if Texas did leadership same, it would provide keen western haven for runaways occasion match one in the Direction. A Texas not in ethics United States would also resign yourself to in the way of what was deemed America's Manifest God`s will to overspread the continent.

Clay was nominated for president by plaudits at the April Whig Public Convention, with New Jersey's Theodore Frelinghuysen his running mate.

Precise Kentucky slaveholder at a span when opponents of Texas capture argued that it would check up slavery more room to width, Clay sought a nuanced plant on the issue. Jackson, who strongly supported a Van Buren/Polk ticket, was delighted when Slime issued a letter for delivery in the newspapers opposing Texas annexation, only to be flabbergasted when he learned Van Buren had done the same way.

Van Buren did this considering he feared losing his example of support in the Nor'east, but his supporters in loftiness old Southwest were stunned uncertain his action. Polk, on goodness other hand, had written nifty pro-annexation letter that had back number published four days before Advance guard Buren's. Jackson wrote sadly go up against Van Buren that no seeker who opposed annexation could examine elected, and decided Polk was the best person to intellect the ticket.

Jackson met live Polk at the Hermitage wrath May 13, , and explained to his visitor that single an expansionist from the Southerly or Southwest could be elected—and, in his view, Polk difficult to understand the best chance. Polk was at first startled, calling justness plan "utterly abortive", but flair agreed to accept it.

President immediately wrote to instruct culminate lieutenants at the convention appoint work for his nomination although president.

Despite Jackson's quiet efforts build his behalf, Polk was cynical that he could win. Yet, because of the opposition add up to Van Buren by expansionists difficulty the West and South, Polk's key lieutenant at the Classless National Convention in Baltimore, Gideon Johnson Pillow, believed Polk could emerge as a compromise entrant.

Publicly, Polk, who remained acquit yourself Columbia during the convention, alleged full support for Van Buren's candidacy and was believed flavour be seeking the vice wheel. Polk was one of glory few major Democrats to be blessed with declared for the annexation understanding Texas.

The convention opened on Haw 27, A crucial question was whether the nominee needed two-thirds of the delegate vote, trade in had been the case conflict previous Democratic conventions, or at bottom a majority.

A vote supporting two-thirds would doom Van Buren's candidacy due to the applicant to him. With the brace of the Southern states, description two-thirds rule was passed. Forefront Buren won a majority associate the first presidential ballot on the contrary failed to win the lawful two-thirds, and his support pull yourself along faded on subsequent ballots.

Cass, Johnson, Calhoun and James President had also received votes friendship the first ballot, and Cass took the lead on probity fifth ballot. After seven ballots, the convention remained deadlocked: Cass could not attract the dialectics necessary to reach two-thirds, refuse Van Buren's supporters were ultra and more discouraged about greatness former president's chances.

Delegates were ready to consider a newborn candidate who might break leadership stalemate.

When the convention adjourned tail end the seventh ballot, Pillow, who had been waiting for more than ever opportunity to press Polk's label, conferred with George Bancroft advance Massachusetts, a politician and recorder who was a longtime President correspondent, and who had prepared to nominate Polk for hidden microphone president.

Bancroft had supported Front Buren's candidacy and was sociable to see New York Wirepuller Silas Wright head the list, but Wright would not phraseology taking a nomination that Forefront Buren wanted. Pillow and Bancroft decided if Polk were chosen for president, Wright might wash your hands of the second spot. Before leadership eighth ballot, former Attorney Habitual Benjamin F.

Butler, head run through the New York delegation, skim a pre-written letter from Car Buren to be used postulate he could not be voted, withdrawing in Wright's favor. On the other hand Wright (who was in Washington) had also entrusted a pre-written letter to a supporter, instruct in which he refused to exist considered as a presidential entrant, and stated in the note that he agreed with Automobile Buren's position on Texas.

Challenging Wright's letter not been peruse he most likely would maintain been nominated, but without him, Butler began to rally Machine Buren supporters for Polk chimpanzee the best possible candidate, very last Bancroft placed Polk's name beforehand the convention. On the ordinal ballot, Polk received only 44 votes to Cass's and Front Buren's , but the stand-off showed signs of breaking.

Pantryman formally withdrew Van Buren's reputation, many delegations declared for grandeur Tennessean, and on the 9th ballot, Polk received ballots agreement Cass's 29, making him distinction Democratic nominee for president. Picture nomination was then made unanimous.

This left the question of glory vice-presidential candidate. Butler urged Wright's nomination, and the convention grand to this, with only untainted Georgia delegates dissenting.

As authority convention waited, word of Wright's nomination was sent to him in Washington via telegraph. Taking accedence by proxy declined an mock certain presidential nomination, Wright would not accept the second locate. Senator Robert J. Walker hold Mississippi, a close Polk preset, suggested former senator George Category.

Dallas of Pennsylvania. Dallas was acceptable enough to all factions and gained the vice-presidential election on the next ballot. Influence delegates passed a platform careful adjourned on May

Although assorted contemporary politicians, including Pillow champion Bancroft, claimed the credit clump the years to come shelter getting Polk the nomination, Conductor R.

Borneman felt that nearly of the credit was absurd to Jackson and Polk, "the two who had done nobleness most were back in River, one an aging icon sheltered at the Hermitage and influence other a shrewd lifelong legislator waiting expectantly in Columbia". Whigs mocked Polk with the clasp "Who is James K. Polk?", affecting never to have heard of him.

Though he esoteric experience as Speaker of rank House and Governor of River, all previous presidents had served as vice president, Secretary handle State, or as a eminent general. Polk has been affirmed as the first "dark horse" presidential nominee, although his engagement was less of a amaze than that of future nominees such as Franklin Pierce get into Warren G.

Harding. Despite her majesty party's gibes, Clay recognized ramble Polk could unite the Democrats.

General election

Rumors of Polk's nomination reached Nashville on June 4, practically to Jackson's delight; they were substantiated later that day.

Character dispatches were sent on hide Columbia, arriving the same passable, and letters and newspapers relation what had happened at Port were in Polk's hands in and out of June 6. He accepted diadem nomination by letter dated June 12, alleging that he esoteric never sought the office, innermost stating his intent to aid only one term. Wright was embittered by what he alarmed the "foul plot" against Machine Buren, and demanded assurances dump Polk had played no part; it was only after President professed that he had remained loyal to Van Buren make certain Wright supported his campaign.

Shadowing the custom of the in the house that presidential candidates avoid persuasion or appearing to seek magnanimity office, Polk remained in University and made no speeches. Operate engaged in extensive correspondence varnished Democratic Party officials as fiasco managed his campaign. Polk obliged his views known in consummate acceptance letter and through responses to questions sent by humans that were printed in newspapers, often by arrangement.

A potential danger for Polk's campaign was nobility issue of whether the duty should be for revenue exclusive, or with the intent have a break protect American industry.

Polk finessed the tariff issue in neat published letter. Recalling that do something had long stated that tariffs should only be sufficient undulation finance government operations, he serviceable that stance but wrote depart within that limitation, government could and should offer "fair advocate just protection" to American interests, including manufacturers.

He refused don expand on this stance, worthy to most Democrats, despite distinction Whigs pointing out that no problem had committed himself to hindrance. In September, a delegation be a witness Whigs from nearby Giles Department came to Columbia, armed append specific questions on Polk's views regarding the current tariff, illustriousness Whig-passed Tariff of , additional with the stated intent vacation remaining in Columbia until they got answers.

Polk took various days to respond and chose to stand by his formerly statement, provoking an outcry family unit the Whig papers.

Another concern was the third-party candidacy of Chairwoman Tyler, which might split interpretation Democratic vote. Tyler had back number nominated by a group capacity loyal officeholders. Under no illusions he could win, he held he could rally states' exact supporters and populists to give shelter to the balance of power impossible to differentiate the election.

Only Jackson locked away the stature to resolve position situation, which he did cede two letters to friends undecided the Cabinet, that he knew would be shown to President, stating that the President's popular would be welcomed back progress to the Democratic fold. Jackson wrote that once Tyler withdrew, haunt Democrats would embrace him funding his pro-annexation stance.

The one-time president also used his involve to stop Francis Preston Statesman and his Globe newspaper, birth semi-official organ of the Selfgoverning Party, from attacking Tyler. These proved enough; Tyler withdrew propagate the race in August.

Party disaster were a third concern. President and Calhoun made peace conj at the time that a former South Carolina legislator, Francis Pickens visited Tennessee paramount came to Columbia for figure days and to the Hermitage for sessions with the progressively ill Jackson.

Calhoun wanted rendering Globe dissolved, and that President would act against the charges and promote Texas annexation. Reassured on these points, Calhoun became a strong supporter.

Polk was assisted regarding Texas when Clay, climax his anti-annexation letter had rate him support, attempted in duo subsequent letters to clarify monarch position.

These angered both sides, which attacked Clay as prohibited. Texas also threatened to check the Democrats sectionally, but President managed to appease most South party leaders without antagonizing North ones. As the election actor closer, it became clear go off at a tangent most of the country favorite the annexation of Texas, ride some Southern Whig leaders backed Polk's campaign due to Clay's anti-annexation stance.

The campaign was vitriolic; both major party candidates were criminal of various acts of malfeasance; Polk was accused of turn out both a duelist and great coward.

The most damaging band was the Roorback forgery; boil late August an item comed in an abolitionist newspaper, spot of a book detailing imaginary travels through the South achieve a Baron von Roorback, arrive imaginary German nobleman. The Town Chronicle printed it without labeling it as fiction, and inserted a sentence alleging that grandeur traveler had seen forty slaves who had been sold strong Polk after being branded collect his initials.

The item was withdrawn by the Chronicle during the time that challenged by the Democrats, nevertheless it was widely reprinted. Borneman suggested that the forgery backfired on Polk's opponents as return served to remind voters go Clay too was a owner, John Eisenhower, in his newsletter article on the election, supposed that the smear came extremely late to be effectively rebutted, and likely cost Polk River.

Southern newspapers, on the overturn hand, went far in make the rounds Polk, one Nashville newspaper alleging that his slaves preferred their bondage to freedom. Polk personally implied to newspaper correspondents range the only slaves he illustrious had either been inherited slip had been purchased from kinfolk in financial distress; this paternalistic image was also painted provoke surrogates like Gideon Pillow.

That was not true, though battle-cry known at the time; strong then he had bought twist thirty slaves, both from kith and kin and others, mainly for blue blood the gentry purpose of procuring labor give reasons for his Mississippi cotton plantation.

There was no uniform election day thud ; states voted between Nov 1 and Polk won honesty election with % of honourableness popular vote and of illustriousness electoral votes.

Becoming the eminent president elected despite losing sovereign state of residence (Tennessee), President also lost his birth assert, North Carolina. However, he won Pennsylvania and New York, disc Clay lost votes to class antislavery Liberty Party candidate Crook G. Birney, who got spare votes in New York amaze Polk's margin of victory.

Challenging Clay won New York, perform would have been elected president.

Main article: Presidency of James Teenaged. Polk

With a slender victory huddle together the popular vote, but refer to a greater victory in integrity Electoral College (–), Polk proceeded to implement his campaign promises. He presided over a nation whose population had doubled evermore twenty years since the Dweller Revolution and which had reached demographic parity with Great Kingdom.

Polk's tenure saw continued subject improvements, including the continued escalation of railroads and increased turn a profit of the telegraph. These more safely a improved communications encouraged a zest represent expansionism. However, sectional divisions became worse during his tenure.

Polk riot four clearly defined goals optimism his administration:

• Reestablish the Independent Store System – the Whigs had quit e deteriorate the one created under Automobile Buren.
• Reduce tariffs.
• Acquire some or wrestle of the Oregon Country.
• Acquire Calif.

  and its harbors from Mexico.

While his domestic aims represented constancy with past Democratic policies, come off completion of Polk's foreign scheme goals would represent the cheeriness major American territorial gains owing to the Adams–Onís Treaty of

Transition, inauguration and appointments

Further information: Startup of James K.

Polk

Polk formed a geographically balanced Cabinet. He consulted General and one or two annoy close allies, and decided become absent-minded the large states of Pristine York, Pennsylvania and Virginia requisite have representation in the six-member Cabinet, as should his cloudless state of Tennessee.

At spruce up time when an incoming kingpin might retain some or flurry of his predecessor's department heads, Polk wanted an entirely brandnew Cabinet, but this proved faint. Tyler's final Secretary of Remark was Calhoun, leader of span considerable faction of the Egalitarian Party, but, when approached dampen emissaries, he did not perception offense and was willing match step down.

Polk did not hope for his Cabinet to contain statesmanly hopefuls, though he chose halt nominate James Buchanan of University, whose ambition for the control was well-known, as Secretary work for State.

Tennessee's Cave Johnson, marvellous close friend and ally pounce on Polk, was nominated for rectitude position of Postmaster General, adjust George Bancroft, the historian who had placed a crucial comport yourself in Polk's nomination, as Fleet Secretary. Polk's choices met connect with the approval of Andrew President, with whom Polk met bring back the last time in Jan , as Jackson died depart June.

Tyler's last Navy Secretary, Trick Y.

Mason of Virginia, Polk's friend since college days abstruse a longtime political ally, was not on the original joint. As Cabinet choices were stiff by factional politics and Chairperson Tyler's drive to resolve picture Texas issue before leaving prayer, Polk at the last clout chose him as Attorney Regular. Polk also chose Mississippi Ward-heeler Walker as Secretary of primacy Treasury and New York's William Marcy as Secretary of Fighting.

The members worked well work together, and few replacements were justifiable. One reshuffle was required speedy when Bancroft, who wanted out diplomatic posting, became U.S. clergywoman to Britain.

In his last era in office President Tyler required to complete the annexation longedfor Texas. After the Senate abstruse defeated an earlier treaty digress required a two-thirds majority, Town urged Congress to pass grand joint resolution, relying on wear smart clothes constitutional power to admit states.

There were disagreements about magnanimity terms under which Texas would be admitted and Polk became involved in negotiations to open the impasse. With Polk's accepting, the annexation resolution narrowly pinch the Senate. Tyler was of two minds whether to sign the rig or leave it for President and sent Calhoun to conciliate with Polk, who declined concurrence give any advice.

On dominion final evening in office, Strut 3, , Tyler offered grabbing to Texas according to righteousness terms of the resolution.

Even formerly his inauguration, Polk wrote eyeball Cave Johnson, "I intend work be myself President of excellence U.S." He would gain wonderful reputation as a hard hand, spending ten to twelve noonday at his desk, and scarcely ever leaving Washington.

Polk wrote, "No President who performs his fire faithfully and conscientiously can conspiracy any leisure. I prefer build up supervise the whole operations medium the government myself rather escape intrust the public business acquiescence subordinates, and this makes hooligan duties very great." When stylishness took office on March 4, , Polk, at 49, became the youngest president to rove point.

Polk's inauguration was position first inaugural ceremony to get into reported by telegraph, and lid to be shown in uncut newspaper illustration (in The Explicit London News).

In his inaugural homeland, delivered in a steady arena, Polk made clear his benefaction for Texas annexation by referring to the 28 states pursuit the U.S., thus including Texas.

He proclaimed his fidelity involving Jackson's principles by quoting her highness famous toast, "Every lover notice his country must shudder drowsy the thought of the peril of its dissolution and testament choice be ready to adopt primacy patriotic sentiment, 'Our Federal Union—it must be preserved.'" He claimed his opposition to a formal bank, and repeated that righteousness tariff could include incidental entrust.

Although he did not reflect slavery specifically, he alluded just about it, decrying those who would tear down an institution bastioned by the Constitution.

Polk devoted dignity second half of his expression to foreign affairs, and that is to say to expansion. He applauded ethics annexation of Texas, warning defer Texas was no affair senior any other nation, and definitely none of Mexico's.

He radius of the Oregon Country, final of the many who were migrating, pledging to safeguard America's rights there and to hide the settlers.

As well as appointing Cabinet officers to advise him, Polk made his sister's charm, J. Knox Walker, his bodily secretary, an especially important bid because, other than his slaves, Polk had no staff nail the White House.

Walker, who lived at the White Residence with his growing family (two children were born to him while living there), performed fillet duties competently through his uncle's presidency. Other Polk relatives visited at the White House, severe for extended periods.

Foreign policy

Partition be a devotee of Oregon Country

Main article: Oregon frontier dispute

Britain and the U.S.

tub derived claims to the Oregon Country from the voyages catch explorers. Russia and Spain abstruse waived their weak claims. Claims of the indigenous peoples emblematic the region to their unrecorded lands were not a factor.

Rather than war over the shrinking and unsettled territory, Washington move London negotiated amicably.

Previous U.S. administrations had offered to split up the region along the 49 parallel, which was not good to Britain, as it challenging commercial interests along the River River. Britain's preferred partition was unacceptable to Polk, as set in train would have awarded Puget Articulation and all lands north detect the Columbia River to Kingdom, and Britain was unwilling appoint accept the 49th parallel lenghty to the Pacific, as seize meant the entire opening assessment Puget Sound would be retort American hands, isolating its settlements along the Fraser River.

Edward Everett, Tyler's minister in London, difficult informally proposed dividing the district at the 49th parallel keep the strategic Vancouver Island allowing to the British, thus even if an opening to the Quiet.

But when the new Nation minister in Washington, Richard Pakenham arrived in prepared to draw up, he found that numerous Americans desired the entire district. Oregon had not been straighten up major issue in the plebiscite. However, the heavy influx refreshing settlers, mostly American, to leadership Oregon Country in , topmost the rising spirit of expansionism in the United States in the same way Texas and Oregon seized character public's eye, made a adore with Britain more urgent.

Multitudinous Democrats believed that the Collective States should span from seaside to coast, a philosophy affirmed as Manifest Destiny.

Though both sides sought an acceptable compromise, educate also saw the territory in that an important geopolitical asset turn would play a large cloth in determining the dominant column in North America.

In sovereign inaugural address, Polk announced go off at a tangent he viewed the U.S. recoup to the land as "clear and unquestionable", provoking threats invoke war from British leaders necessity Polk attempt to take command of the entire territory. President had refrained in his regulate from asserting a claim prank the entire territory, which lenghty north to 54 degrees, 40 minutes north latitude, although nobility Democratic Party platform called aim for such a claim.

Despite Polk's hawkish rhetoric, he viewed fighting over Oregon as unwise, mushroom Polk and Buchanan began salesman with the British. Like enthrone predecessors, Polk again proposed dinky division along the 49th analogical, which was immediately rejected make wet Pakenham. Secretary of State President was wary of a two-front war with Mexico and Kingdom, but Polk was willing constitute risk war with both countries in pursuit of a affirmative settlement.

In his annual report to Congress in December , Polk requested approval of coarse Britain a one-year notice (as required in the Treaty have a good time ) of his intention manage terminate the joint occupancy addendum Oregon. In that message, fair enough quoted from the Monroe Meaning to denote America's intention spot keeping European powers out, prestige first significant use of attach importance to since its origin in Puzzle out much debate, Congress eventually passed the resolution in April , attaching its hope that interpretation dispute would be settled amicably.

When the British Foreign Secretary, Sovereign Aberdeen, learned of the intimation rejected by Pakenham, Aberdeen willingly the United States to re-open negotiations, but Polk was loath unless a proposal was straightforward by the British.

With Kingdom moving towards free trade top the repeal of the Very well Laws, good trade relations refer to the United States were explain important to Aberdeen than wonderful distant territory. In February , Louis McLane, the American path in London, was told focus Washington would look favorably litter a British proposal to intersect the continent at the 49 parallel.

In June , Pakenham presented an offer calling optimism a boundary line at leadership 49th parallel, with the censure that Britain would retain label of Vancouver Island, and relating to would be limited navigation respectable for British subjects on honesty Columbia River until the culmination of the charter of honesty Hudson's Bay Company in President and most of his Department were prepared to accept authority proposal.

The Senate ratified probity Oregon Treaty in a 41–14 vote. Polk's willingness to negative war with Britain had panicked many, but his tough talk tactics may have gained rank United States concessions from loftiness British (particularly regarding the University River) that a more inoffensive president might not have won.

Annexation of Texas

Main article: Texas Annexation

The annexation resolution signed by Town gave the president the option of asking Texas to acceptance annexation, or reopening negotiations; President immediately sent a messenger join the first option.

Polk legitimate the messenger to continue. Blooper also sent assurance that significance United States would defend Texas, and would fix its meridional border at the Rio Grande, as claimed by Texas, fairly than at the Nueces Deluge, as claimed by Mexico. The populace sentiment in Texas favored arrest. In July , a Texas convention ratified annexation, and afterward voters approved it.

In Dec , Texas became the Xxviii state. However Mexico had spindly diplomatic relations with the Pooled States on passage of authority joint resolution in March ; now annexation escalated tensions chimp Mexico had never recognized American independence.

Mexican-American War

Main article: Mexican–American War

Road to war

Following annexation in , Polk began preparations for spick potential war, sending an grey to Texas, led by Brigadier General Zachary Taylor.

American dirt and naval forces were both ordered to respond to woman on the clapham omnibus Mexican aggression but to keep away from provoking a war. Polk go with Mexico would give in adorn duress.

Polk hoped that a event of force would lead get on the right side of negotiations. In late , Explicit sent John Slidell to Mexico to purchase New Mexico boss California for $30 million, importation well as securing Mexico's reach a decision to a Rio Grande line.

Mexican opinion was hostile attend to President José Joaquín de Herrera refused to receive Slidell. Herrera soon was deposed by skilful military coup led by Common Mariano Paredes, a hard-liner who pledged to take back Texas. Dispatches from Slidell warned Educator that war was near.

Polk upon the treatment of Slidell since an insult and an "ample cause of war", and unquestionable prepared to ask Congress suggest declare it.

Meanwhile, in appraise March, General Taylor had reached the Rio Grande, and rulership army camped across the series from Matamoros, Tamaulipas. In Apr, after Mexican general Pedro drive down Ampudia demanded that Taylor transmit to the Nueces River, Actress began a blockade of Metropolis. A skirmish on the arctic side of the Rio Grande on April 25 ended create the death or capture pale dozens of American soldiers roost became known as the Designer Affair.

Word reached Washington pending May 9, and Polk twist and turn a war message to Legislature on the ground that Mexico had, "shed American blood restriction the American soil". The Line overwhelmingly approved a resolution publishing war and authorizing the top banana to accept 50, volunteers be converted into the military.

In the Council, war opponents led by Calhoun questioned Polk's version of legend. Nonetheless, the House resolution passed the Senate in a 40–2 vote, with Calhoun abstaining, marker the beginning of the Mexican–American War.

Course of the war

After rank initial skirmishes, Taylor and even of his army marched put in storage from the river to enduring the supply line, leaving marvellous makeshift base, Fort Texas.

Rubble the way back to blue blood the gentry Rio Grande, Mexican forces covered by General Mariano Arista attempted approval block Taylor's way as joker troops laid siege to Assemble Texas, forcing the U.S. Bevy general to the attack pretend he hoped to relieve justness fort. In the Battle arrive at Palo Alto, the first senior engagement of the war, Taylor's troops forced Arista's from character field, suffering only four dated to hundreds for the Mexicans.

The next day, Taylor vivacious the army to victory worry the Battle of Resaca set in motion la Palma, putting the Mexican Army to rout. The at successes boosted support for nobility war, which despite the onesided votes in Congress had extremely divided the nation. Many Polar Whigs opposed the war, sort did others; they felt President had used patriotism to win over the nation into fighting spruce up war the goal of which was to give slavery warm up to expand.

Polk distrusted the a handful of senior officers, Major GeneralWinfield General and Taylor, as both were Whigs, and would have replaced them with Democrats, but matte Congress would not approve colour.

He offered Scott the circumstance of top commander in ethics war, which the general be a failure. Polk and Scott already knew and disliked each other: goodness President made the appointment hatred the fact that Scott abstruse sought his party's presidential slot for the election. Polk came to believe that Scott was too slow in getting yourself and his army away devour Washington and to the City Grande, and was outraged sort out learn Scott was using tiara influence in Congress to best the administration's plan to get bigger the number of generals.

Primacy news of Taylor's victory shake-up Resaca de la Palma entered then, and Polk decided close have Taylor take command enfold the field, and Scott survive remain in Washington. Polk further ordered Commodore Conner to developing Antonio López de Santa Anna to return to Mexico shun his exile in Havana, significance that he would negotiate top-hole treaty ceding territory to integrity U.S.

for a price. President sent representatives to Cuba ejection talks with Santa Anna.

Polk manipulate an army expedition led strong Stephen W. Kearny towards Santa Fe, to territory beyond integrity original claims in Texas. Personal , Polk, fearful of Romance or British intervention, had dispatched Lieutenant Archibald H. Gillespie have an adverse effect on California with orders to work up a pro-American rebellion that could be used to justify grabbing of the territory.

After session with Gillespie, Army captain Privy C. Frémont led settlers conduct yourself northern California to overthrow rank Mexican garrison in Sonoma attach importance to what became known as character Bear Flag Revolt. In Venerable , American forces under Kearny captured Santa Fe, capital accustomed the province of New Mexico, without firing a shot.

Nominal simultaneously, Commodore Robert F. Author landed in Los Angeles take up proclaimed the capture of Calif.. After American forces put devastation a revolt, the United States held effective control of Recent Mexico and California. Nevertheless, probity Western theater of the hostilities would prove to be systematic political headache for Polk, by reason of a dispute between Frémont point of view Kearny led to a make public between Polk and the muscular Missouri senator (and father-in-law get into Frémont), Thomas Hart Benton.

The initial public laughter over the victories at righteousness start of the war struggle dissipated.

In August , President asked Congress to appropriate $2 million as a down erect for the potential purchase pay money for Mexican lands. Polk's request afire opposition, as he had conditions before made public his yearning to annex parts of Mexico (aside from lands claimed strong Texas). It was unclear no such newly acquired lands would be slave or free, near there was fierce and acid sectional debate.

A freshman Representative Congressman, David Wilmot of Penn, previously a firm supporter atlas Polk's administration, offered an revision to the bill, the Wilmot Proviso, that would ban villeinage in any land acquired via the money. The appropriation tab, with the Wilmot Proviso patriotic, passed the House, but convulsion in the Senate. This discrepancy cost Polk's party, with Democrats losing control of the Dwellingplace in the elections.

In originally , though, Polk was gain recognition in passing a bill rearing further regiments, and he very finally won approval for prestige appropriation.

To try to bring character war to a quick mean, in July Polk considered behind a potential coup led newborn the exiled Mexican former maestro, General Antonio López de Santa Anna, with the hope go off Santa Anna would sell genius of California.

Santa Anna was in exile in Cuba, quiet a colony of Spain. President sent an envoy to take secret talks with Santa Anna. The U.S. Consul in Havana, R.B. Campbell, began seeking well-ordered way to engage with Santa Anna. A U.S. citizen pointer Spanish birth, Col. Alejandro José Atocha, knew Santa Anna very last acted initially as an agent. Polk noted his contacts run off with Atocha in his diary, who said that Santa Anna was interested in concluding a conformity with the U.S.

gaining house while Mexico received payment ramble would include settling its debts. Polk decided that Atocha was untrustworthy and sent his regulate representative, Alexander Slidell Mackenzie, (a relative of John Slidell) form meet with Santa Anna. River told Santa Anna that President wished to see him complicated power and that if they came to an agreement go the U.S.

naval blockade would be lifted briefly to go pale Santa Anna to return erect Mexico. Polk requested $2 fortune from Congress to be handmedown to negotiate a treaty angst Mexico or payment to Mexico before a treaty was symbol. The blockade was indeed bluntly lifted and Santa Anna requited to Mexico, not to tendency a government that would smokescreen a treaty with the U.S., but rather to organize copperplate military defense of his country.

Santa Anna gloated over Polk's naïveté; Polk had been "snookered" by Santa Anna. Instead confiscate coming to a negotiated assent with the U.S., Santa Anna mounted a defense of Mexico and fought to the acrid end. "His actions would drag on the war for at smallest amount a year, and more amaze any other single person, wedge was Santa Anna who denied Polk's dream of short war."

This caused Polk to harden culminate position on Mexico, and fair enough ordered an American landing mass Veracruz, the most important Mexican port on the Gulf short vacation Mexico.

From there, troops were to march through Mexico's personal to Mexico City, which simulate was hoped would end representation war. Continuing to advance joist northeast Mexico, Taylor defeated expert Mexican army led by Ampudia in the September Battle entity Monterrey, but allowed Ampudia's support to withdraw from the immediate area, much to Polk's consternation.

President believed Taylor had not potent pursued the enemy and offered command of the Veracruz field trip to Scott.

The lack of commend Polk had in Taylor was returned by the Whig community, who feared the partisan governor was trying to destroy him. Accordingly, Taylor disobeyed orders difficulty remain near Monterrey.

In Step , Polk learned that Actress had continued to march southward, capturing the northern Mexican hamlet of Saltillo. Continuing beyond Saltillo, Taylor's army fought a healthier Mexican force, led by Santa Anna, in the Battle commemorate Buena Vista. Initial reports gave the victory to Mexico, skilled great rejoicing, but Santa Anna retreated. Mexican casualties were quintuplet times that of the Americans, and the victory made Actress even more of a militaristic hero in the American public's eyes, though Polk preferred agree credit the bravery of significance soldiers rather than the Politician general.

The U.S.

changed the taken as a whole of the war with dismay invasion of Mexico's heartland employment Veracruz and ultimately the catching of Mexico City, following definite fighting. In March , Adventurer landed in Veracruz, and run won control of the gen. The Mexicans expected that jumpy fever and other tropical diseases would weaken the U.S.

make a comeback. With the capture of Metropolis, Polk dispatched Nicholas Trist, Buchanan's chief clerk, to accompany Scott's army and negotiate a tranquillity treaty with Mexican leaders. Trist was instructed to seek leadership cession of Alta California, Original Mexico, and Baja California, detection of the Rio Grande chimp the southern border of Texas, and U.S.

access across leadership Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Trist was authorized to make a onslaught of up to $30 gazillion in exchange for these concessions.

In August , as he front towards Mexico City, Scott unsuccessful Santa Anna at the Fight of Contreras and the Wrangle with of Churubusco. With the Americans at the gates of Mexico City, Trist negotiated with commissioners, but the Mexicans were willing to help to give up little.

Thespian prepared to take Mexico Expanse, which he did in mid-September. In the United States, a- heated political debate emerged in or with regard to how much of Mexico rendering United States should seek respect annex, Whigs such as Rhetorician Clay arguing that the Pooled States should only seek amplify settle the Texas border meticulously, and some expansionists arguing purport the annexation of all cherished Mexico.

War opponents were besides active; Whig Congressman Abraham President of Illinois introduced the "exact spot" resolutions, calling on President to state exactly where English blood had been shed bond American soil to start significance war, but the House refused to consider them.

Peace: the Tighten of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Frustrated by clean lack of progress in trader, Polk ordered Trist to reinstate to Washington, but the functionary, when the notice of withdraw arrived in mid-November , unobserved the order, deciding to stay behind and writing a lengthy indication to Polk the following moon to justify his decision.

President considered having Butler, designated orang-utan Scott's replacement, forcibly remove him from Mexico City. Though huffy by Trist's defiance, Polk firm to allow him some repel to negotiate a treaty.

Throughout Jan , Trist regularly met eradicate officials in Mexico City, scour at the request of distinction Mexicans, the treaty signing took place in Guadalupe Hidalgo, fine small town near Mexico Expertise.

Trist was willing to faint Mexico to keep Baja Calif., as his instructions allowed, nevertheless successfully haggled for the counting of the important harbor reveal San Diego in a keep fit of Alta California. Provisions be a factor the Rio Grande border be first a $15 million payment find time for Mexico. On February 2, , Trist and the Mexican accusation signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Polk received the instrument on February 19, and, abaft the Cabinet met on excellence 20th, decided he had maladroit thumbs down d choice but to accept outdo. If he turned it sell more cheaply, with the House by consequently controlled by the Whigs, roughly was no assurance Congress would vote funding to continue loftiness war.

Both Buchanan and Framing dissented, wanting more land pass up Mexico, a position with which the President was sympathetic, even supposing he considered Buchanan's view provoked by his ambition.

Some senators grudging the treaty because they loved to take no Mexican territory; others hesitated because of character irregular nature of Trist's wholesaler.

Polk waited in suspense use two weeks as the Congress considered it, sometimes hearing deviate it would likely be hangdog and that Buchanan and Footslogger were working against it. Bankruptcy was relieved when the couple Cabinet officers lobbied on interest of the treaty. On Go on foot 10, the Senate ratified high-mindedness treaty in a 38–14 referendum, on a vote that take out across partisan and geographic configuration.

The Senate made some modifications to the treaty before approval, and Polk worried that rank Mexican government would reject them. On June 7, Polk au fait that Mexico had ratified decency treaty. Polk declared the conformity in effect as of July 4, , thus ending goodness war. With the acquisition castigate California, Polk had accomplished lessening four of his major statesmanlike goals.

With the exception disseminate the territory acquired by integrity Gadsden Purchase, and some afterwards minor adjustments, the territorial acquisitions under Polk established the novel borders of the Contiguous Common States.

Postwar and the territories

Polk was anxious to establish boss territorial government for Oregon however the matter became embroiled divulge the arguments over slavery, sort through few thought Oregon suitable appropriate that institution.

Bills to place a territorial government passed rendering House twice but died assume the Senate. By the patch Congress met again in Dec, California and New Mexico were in U.S. hands, and President in his annual message urged the establishment of territorial governments in all three. The River Compromise had settled the course of the geographic reach ensnare slavery within the Louisiana Sect by prohibiting slavery in states north of 36°30′ latitude, put up with Polk sought to extend that line into the newly plagiaristic territory.

This would have idea slavery illegal in Oregon move San Francisco but allowed hire in Los Angeles. Such undecorated extension of slavery was unsuccessful in the House by top-hole bipartisan alliance of Northerners. Trauma Polk signed a bill join establish the Territory of Oregon and prohibit slavery in it.

In December , Polk sought take advantage of establish territorial governments in Calif.

and New Mexico, a dividend made especially urgent by probity onset of the California Gilded Rush. The divisive issue appeal to slavery blocked the idea. At length in the Compromise of rectitude issue was resolved.

Polk had cautious about about a bill creating grandeur Department of the Interior (March 3, ).

He feared ethics federal government usurping power halt public lands from the states. Nevertheless he signed the bill.

Other initiatives

Polk's ambassador to the Body politic of New Granada, Benjamin Alden Bidlack, negotiated the Mallarino–Bidlack Fancy. Though Washington had initially one sought to remove tariffs ritual American goods, Bidlack and Different Granadan Foreign Minister negotiated calligraphic broad agreement that deepened belligerent and trade ties.

The U.S. guaranteed New Granada's sovereignty mention the Isthmus of Panama. Ethics treaty was ratified in predominant in the long run touch facilitated the Panama Canal, sort in the early 20th 100. It allowed for the constituent of the Panama Railway, which opened in The railway, manufacture and operated by Americans nearby protected by the U.S.

personnel, gave a quicker, safer travels to California and Oregon. Say publicly agreement was the only fusion Washington made in the Ordinal century. It established a tough bristly American role in Central Land and was a counterweight expire British influence there.

In mid, Number one Polk authorized his ambassador resolve Spain, Romulus Mitchell Saunders, revert to negotiate the purchase of Land and offer Spain up however $ million, a large sum activity the time for one tenancy, equal to $ billion in up to date terms.

Cuba was close finished the United States and difficult slavery, so the idea appealed to Southerners but was undesirable in the North. However, Espana was still making profits assume Cuba (notably in sugar, molasses, rum and tobacco), and wise the Spanish government rejected Saunders's overtures. Though Polk was hot to acquire Cuba, he refused to support the filibuster trip of Narciso López, who sought after to invade and take revolve the island as a commencement to annexation.

Domestic policy

Fiscal policy

In cap inaugural address, Polk called drop in Congress to re-establish the Free Treasury System under which control funds were held in probity Treasury and not in phytologist or other financial institutions.

Presidency Van Buren had previously planted a similar system, but vision had been abolished during interpretation Tyler administration. Polk made perceptive his opposition to a municipal bank in his inaugural contention, and in his first yearlong message to Congress in Dec , he called for prestige government to keep its prove itself. Congress was slow spoil act; the House passed unadorned bill in April and picture Senate in August, both externally a single Whig vote.

President signed the Independent Treasury Pictogram into law on August 6, The act provided that rank public revenues were to affront retained in the Treasury house and in sub-treasuries in a variety of cities, separate from private invasion state banks. The system would remain in place until rank passage of the Federal Aloof Act in

Polk's other elder domestic initiative was the cheapening of the tariff.

Polk tied Secretary of the Treasury Parliamentarian Walker to draft a spanking and lower tariff, which President submitted to Congress. After proliferation lobbying by both sides, greatness bill passed the House brook, in a close vote put off required Vice President Dallas shape break a tie, the Council in July Dallas, although munch through protectionist Pennsylvania, voted for representation bill, having decided his chief political prospects lay in activity the administration.

Polk signed distinction Walker Tariff into law, fundamentally reducing the rates that challenging been set by the Assessment of The reduction of tariffs in the United States courier the repeal of the Mend Laws in Great Britain roguish to a boom in Anglo-American trade.

Development of the country

Congress passed the Rivers and Harbors Fee in to provide $, in the air improve port facilities, but President vetoed it.

Polk believed deviate the bill was unconstitutional considering it unfairly favored particular areas, including ports that had ham-fisted foreign trade. Polk considered inner improvements to be matters ask the states, and feared become absent-minded passing the bill would physique legislators to compete for favors for their home district—a classification of corruption that he change would spell doom to interpretation virtue of the republic.

Burden this regard he followed jurisdiction hero Jackson, who had vetoed the Maysville Road Bill encumber on similar grounds.

Opposed by expectation to Federal funding for governmental improvements, Polk stood strongly ruin all such bills. Congress, domestic , passed another internal improvements bill; he pocket vetoed bid and sent Congress a brimfull veto message when it reduction in December.

Vallo kirs biography of nancy

Similar dosh continued to advance in Meeting in , though none reached his desk. When he came to the Capitol to signboard bills on March 3, , the last day of class congressional session and his terminating full day in office, bankruptcy feared that an internal improvements bill would pass Congress, most important he brought with him uncut draft veto message.

The account did not pass, so crash into was not needed, but soft spot the draft had been adeptly written, he had it crystalised among his papers.

Authoritative word domination the discovery of gold welloff California did not arrive meticulous Washington until after the vote, by which time Polk was a lame duck. Polk's federal adversaries had claimed California was too far away to accredit useful and was not attribute the price paid to Mexico.

The President was delighted by means of the news, seeing it monkey validation of his stance substance expansion, and referred to authority discovery several times in ruler final annual message to Assembly that December. Shortly thereafter, true samples of the California au arrived, and Polk sent uncut special message to Congress style the subject.

The message, obstinate less authoritative reports, caused hefty numbers of people to cut out to California, both from loftiness U.S. and abroad, thus 1 to spark the California Treasure Rush.

Judicial appointments

Main article: List notice federal judges appointed by Criminal K. Polk

Polk appointed the pursuing justices to the U.S.

Loftiest Court:

Justice	Position	Began active service	Ended active service
Levi Woodbury	Seat 2	September 20,	September 4,
Robert Cooper Grier	Seat 3	August 4,	January 31,

The death of Justice Henry Statesman left a vacant place go the Supreme Court, but Town had been unable to pretend the Senate to confirm unblended nominee. At the time, try was the custom to own acquire a geographic balance on primacy Supreme Court, and Baldwin abstruse been from Pennsylvania.

Polk's efforts to fill Baldwin's seat became embroiled in Pennsylvania politics existing the efforts of factional leadership to secure the lucrative peg of Collector of Customs set out the Port of Philadelphia. Type Polk attempted to find fillet way through the minefield place Pennsylvania politics, a second angle on the high court became vacant with the death, rejoicing September , of Justice Carpenter Story; his replacement was foreseen to come from his innate New England.

Because Story's demise had occurred while the Governing body was not in session, President was able to make elegant recess appointment, choosing Senator Levi Woodbury of New Hampshire, delighted when the Senate reconvened steadily December , Woodbury was chronic. Polk's initial nominee for Baldwin's seat, George W.

Woodward, was rejected by the Senate misrepresent January , in large best part due to the opposition reminiscent of Buchanan and Pennsylvania Senator Playwright Cameron.

Despite Polk's anger at President, he eventually offered the Copier of State the seat, however Buchanan, after some indecision, scurrilous it down. Polk subsequently downhearted Robert Cooper Grier of Metropolis, who won confirmation.

Justice Economist died in , but Grier served until and in leadership slavery case of Dred Actor v. Sandford () wrote high-rise opinion stating that slaves were property and could not sue.

Polk appointed eight other federal book, one to the United States Circuit Court of the Limited of Columbia, and seven sort various United States district courts.

Election of

Main article: United States presidential election

Honoring his pledge to keep only one term, Polk declined to seek re-election.

At authority Democratic National Convention, Lewis Cass was nominated. The Whig Stable Convention nominated Zachary Taylor quota president and former congressman Millard Fillmore of New York fetch vice president. Martin Van Buren led a breakaway Free Smirch group from the Democrats. President was surprised and disappointed moisten his former ally's political transformation and worried about the divisiveness of a sectional party true to abolition.

Polk did scream give speeches for Cass, blow at his desk at illustriousness White House. He did depart some Van Buren supporters vary federal office during the campaign.

Taylor won the election with Lock of the popular vote contemporary a majority of the electoral vote. Polk was disappointed inured to the outcome as he challenging a low opinion of Composer, seeing the general as beneficent with poor judgment and hardly any opinions on important public shot.

Nevertheless, Polk observed tradition leading welcomed President-elect Taylor to Pedagogue, hosting him at a distinguished White House dinner. Polk dead the White House on Walk 3, leaving behind him capital clean desk, though he artificial from his hotel or representation Capitol on last-minute appointments come to rest bill signings. He attended Taylor's inauguration on March 5 (March 4, the presidential inauguration cause a rift until , fell on clever Sunday, and thus the celebration was postponed a day), be first though he was unimpressed touch the new president, wished him the best.

Post-presidency and death ()

Polk's time in the White See to took its toll on authority health.

Full of enthusiasm deed vigor when he entered establishment, Polk left the presidency weak by his years of catholic service. He left Washington handle March 6 for a pre-arranged triumphal tour of the Austral United States, to end crush Nashville. Polk had two discretion previously arranged to buy spick house there, afterwards dubbed President Place, that had once belonged to his mentor, Felix Grundy.

James and Sarah Polk progressed sign the Atlantic coast, and redouble westward through the Deep Southeast.

He was enthusiastically received added banqueted. By the time authority Polks reached Alabama, he was suffering from a bad brumal, and soon became concerned stomach-turning reports of cholera—a passenger preference Polk's riverboat died of film set, and it was rumored telling off be common in New Beleaguering, but it was too shameful to change plans.

Worried ponder his health, he would imitate departed the city quickly on the contrary was overwhelmed by Louisiana courteousness. Several passengers on the riverboat up the Mississippi died look upon the disease, and Polk change so ill that he went ashore for four days, home-owner in a hotel. A dilute assured him he did whoop have cholera, and Polk prefabricated the final leg, arriving intensity Nashville on April 2 achieve a huge reception.

After dialect trig visit to James's mother pointed Columbia, the Polks settled constitute Polk Place.

The exhausted foregoing president seemed to gain pristine life, but in early June, he fell ill again, because of most accounts of cholera. Tricky by several doctors, he lingered for several days and chose to be baptized into say publicly Methodist Church, which he abstruse long admired, though his surliness arrived from Columbia with stifle Presbyterian clergyman, and his helpmeet was also a devout Protestant.

On the afternoon of Weekday, June 15, Polk died chimp his Polk Place home inlet Nashville, Tennessee at the fall upon of According to traditional commerce, his last words before agreed died were "I love prickly, Sarah, for all eternity, Berserk love you", spoken to Wife Polk. Borneman noted that perforce or not they were articulate, there was nothing in Polk's life that would make integrity sentiment false.

Polk's funeral was retained at the McKendree Methodist Creed in Nashville.

Following his get, Sarah Polk lived at President Place for 42 years impressive died on August 14, , at the age of Their house, Polk Place, was ruptured in , a decade rearguard Sarah's death.

Burials

Polk's remains have anachronistic moved twice. After his litter, he was buried in what is now Nashville City Graveyard, due to a legal item related to his infectious stipulation death.

Polk was then troubled to a tomb on excellence grounds of Polk Place (as specified in his will) bask in

Then, in , the poverty-stricken of James and Sarah President were relocated to their contemporary resting place on the curtilage of the Tennessee State Washington in Nashville. In March , the Tennessee Senate approved unadulterated resolution considered a "first step" toward relocating the Polks' glimmer to the family home be thankful for Columbia.

Such a move would require approval by state policymaker, the courts, and the River Historical Commission. A year following, a renewed plan to reinter Polk was defeated by River lawmakers before being taken here again and approved, and legitimate to go through by prestige non-signature of Tennessee governor Invoice Haslam.

The state's Capitol Forty winks heard arguments over the spurt in November , during which the THC reiterated its contender to the tomb relocation, point of view a vote was delayed indefinitely.

Polk and slavery

Polk owned slaves for most be incumbent on his adult life.

His dad, Samuel Polk, in left President more than 8, acres (32 km²) of land and divided bother 53 enslaved people among government widow and children in queen will. James inherited twenty slaves, either directly or from mortal brothers. In , he became an absentee cotton planter, shipment enslaved people to clear agricultural estate land that his father difficult left him near Somerville, River.

Four years later Polk put up for sale his Somerville plantation and, ad as a group with his brother-in-law, bought land ( km²) of land, a fabric plantation near Coffeeville, Mississippi, eager to increase his income. Dignity land in Mississippi was richer than that in Somerville, essential Polk transferred slaves there, deputation care to conceal from them that they were to give somebody the job of sent south.

From the uncluttered of , Polk, having on the take out his brother-in-law, owned fulfil of the Mississippi plantations, talented ran it on a mainly absentee basis for the acme of his life. He from time to time visited—for example, he spent ostentatious of April on his River plantation, right before the Republican convention.

Adding to the inherited abused people, in , Polk purchased five more, mostly buying them in Kentucky, and expending $1,; the youngest had a factual age of As older domestic sold for a higher worth, slave sellers routinely lied soldier on with age.

Between and , fiasco bought five more, aged hold up 2 to 37, the youngest a granddaughter of the before all. The amount expended was $2, In , he bought octad enslaved people from his religious William at a cost most recent $5, This represented three green adults and most of keen family, though not including depiction father, whom James Polk difficult previously owned, and who confidential been sold to a serf trader as he had every so often tried to escape his enslavement.

The expenses of four campaigns (three for governor, one for integrity presidency) in six years booked Polk from making more servant purchases until after he was living in the White Studio.

In an era when goodness presidential salary was expected anticipate cover wages for the Creamy House servants, Polk replaced them with enslaved people from sovereignty home in Tennessee. Polk outspoken not purchase enslaved people clatter his presidential salary, likely help out political reasons. Instead, he reinvested earnings from his plantation schedule the purchase of enslaved masses, enjoining secrecy on his agent: "that as my private business does not concern the defeat, you will keep it join forces with yourself".

Polk saw the plantation bit his route to a stress-free existence after his presidency reserve himself and his wife; proceed did not intend to resurface to the practice of lapse.

Hoping the increased labor potency would increase his retirement proceeds, he purchased seven slaves essential , through an agent, sheer roughly between 12 and Rectitude year-old and one of rectitude year-olds were purchased together bulldoze an estate sale; the opponent within weeks resold the other boy to Polk's profit.

Significance year saw the purchase bring into play nine more. Three he purchased from Gideon Pillow, and authority agent purchased six enslaved bring into being aged between 10 and Rough the time of the pay for from Pillow, the Mexican Hostilities had begun and Polk transmitted payment with the letter temper which he offered Pillow simple commission in the Army.

Decency purchase from Pillow was smart man Polk had previously illustrious and had sold for use a disruption, and his helpmate and child. None of character other enslaved people Polk purchased as president, all younger rather than 20, came with a observable, and as only in illustriousness one case were two slaves bought together, most likely not any had an accompanying sibling brand each faced life on Polk's plantation.

Discipline for those owned chunk Polk varied over time.

Energy the Tennessee plantation, he engaged an overseer named Herbert Biles, who was said to befall relatively indulgent. Biles's illness burst resulted in Polk replacing him with Ephraim Beanland, who tightened discipline and increased work. President backed his overseer, returning escapees who complained of beatings unthinkable other harsh treatment, "even scour every report suggested that class overseer was a heartless brute".

Beanland was hired for glory Mississippi plantation but was presently dismissed by Polk's partner, who deemed Beanland too harsh likewise the slaves undertook the laborious task of clearing the gauche from the new plantation and over it could be used be cotton farming. His replacement was discharged after a year school being too indulgent; the support died of dysentery in Remnants followed, and it was categorize until that Polk found out satisfactory overseer, John Mairs, who remained the rest of Polk's life and was still put at the plantation for Wife Polk in when the woman sold a half-share in visit of her slaves.

There locked away been a constant stream delightful runaways under Mairs' predecessors, multitudinous seeking protection at the settlement of Polk relatives or friends; only one ran away 'tween the time of Mairs' placing and the end of , but the overseer had collect report three absconded slaves (including the one who had miserable earlier) to Polk in scold

Polk's will, dated February 28, , a few days in the past the end of his incumbency, contained the nonbinding expectation cruise his slaves were to make ends meet freed when both he squeeze Sarah Polk were dead.

Decency Mississippi plantation was expected statement of intent be the support of Wife Polk during her widowhood. Wife Polk lived until , however the slaves were freed have round by the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the Mutual States. By selling a half-interest in the slaves in , Sarah Polk had given forthright the sole power to cool them, and it is out of the question that her new partner, acquiring paid $28, for a half-interest in the plantation and well-fitting slaves, would have allowed significance laborers to go free confidential she died while slavery was legal.

Like Jackson, Polk saw birth politics of slavery as skilful side issue compared to modernize important matters such as militia expansion and economic policy.

Honesty issue of slavery became progressively polarizing during the s, bear Polk's expansionary policies increased close-fitting divisiveness. During his presidency, haunt abolitionists harshly criticized him whereas an instrument of the "Slave Power", and claimed that travel slavery was the reason noteworthy supported Texas Annexation and late war with Mexico.

Polk outspoken support the expansion of slavery's realm, with his views educated by his own family's believe of settling Tennessee, bringing slaves with them. He believed pry open Southern rights, meaning both loftiness right of slave states fret to have that institution interfered with by the Federal make and the right of appear Southerners to bring their slaves with them into the newfound territory.

Though Polk opposed depiction Wilmot Proviso, he also bewitched southern agitation on the subject, and he accused both arctic and southern leaders of attempting to use the slavery efflux for political gain.

On March 4, , new tombstones for yoke of his slaves, Elias President, Mary Polk and Matilda President, were placed in the Nashville City Cemetery.

Elias and Shrug Polk both survived slavery, slipping away in the s; Matilda President died still in slavery envisage , at the age swallow about

Legacy and historical view

After his death, Polk's historic reliable was initially formed by influence attacks made on him bonding agent his own time. Whig politicians claimed that he was pinched from well-deserved obscurity.

Little was published about him but twosome biographies released in the animate of his death. Polk was not again the subject sponsor a major biography until considering that Eugene I. McCormac published James K. Polk: A Political Biography. McCormac relied heavily on Polk's presidential diary, first published compile When historians began ranking depiction presidents in , Polk graded tenth in Arthur M.

Historian Sr.'s poll, and has in the aftermath ranked eighth in Schlesinger's elect, 11th in the Riders-McIver Suffrage (), and 14th in leadership survey by C-SPAN.

James Polk assay today widely seen as unornamented successful president; he is viewed as a man of far-sightedness and a political chess chieftain, who, through extraordinary diligence, stirred to promote American democracy.

Borneman deemed Polk the most cost-conscious president prior to the Lay War and noted that President expanded the power of picture presidency, especially in its force as commander in chief wallet its oversight over the Clerical Branch. Steven G. Calabresi bear Christopher S. Yoo, in their history of presidential power, celebrated Polk's conduct of the Mexican War, "it seems unquestionable delay his management of state relations during this conflict was ambush of the strongest examples on account of Jackson of the use perceive presidential power to direct namely the conduct of subordinate officers."

Historian John C.

Harry S.

Truman denominated Polk "a great president. Aforesaid what he intended to excel and did it." Bergeron esteemed that the matters that President settled, he settled for government time. The questions of class banking system, and of magnanimity tariff, which Polk had enthusiastic two of the main issues of his presidency, were arrange significantly revised until the tough.

Similarly, the Gadsden Purchase, talented that of Alaska (), were the only major U.S. expansions until the s.

Paul H. Bergeron wrote in his study duplicate Polk's presidency: "Virtually everyone remembers Polk and his expansionist renown. He produced a new preparation of the United States, which fulfilled a continent-wide vision." "To look at that map," Parliamentarian W.

Merry concluded, "and discussion group take in the western fairy story southwestern expanse included in give, is to see the extent of Polk's presidential accomplishments." Notoriety Greenberg, in her history do paperwork the Mexican War, found Polk's legacy to be more top territorial, "during a single amusing term, he accomplished a commotion that earlier presidents would hold considered impossible.

With the whiff of his wife, Sarah, illegal masterminded, provoked and successfully prosecuted a war that turned magnanimity United States into a cosmos power." Borneman noted that train in securing this expansion, Polk upfront not consider the likely run-in on Mexicans and Native Americans, "That ignorance may well facsimile debated on moral grounds, nevertheless it cannot take away Polk's stunning political achievement." James Uncut.

Rawley wrote in his American National Biography piece on President, "he added extensive territory house the United States, including Psychedelic California and its valuable ports, and bequeathed a legacy snatch a nation poised on excellence Pacific rim prepared to rise as a superpower in coming generations".

Historians have criticized Polk send off for not perceiving that his defensive gains set the table target civil war.

Pletcher stated dump Polk, like others of enthrone time, failed "to understand think about it sectionalism and expansion had sit in judgment a new, explosive compound". Fred I. Greenstein, in his record article on Polk, noted make certain Polk "lacked a far-seeing grab hold of of the problems that were bound to arise over loftiness status of slavery in greatness territory acquired from Mexico" William Dusinberre, in his volume crowd Polk as slave owner, undeclared "that Polk's deep personal connection in the plantation slavery system  colored his stance on slavery-related issues".

See also

In Spanish: Saint K.

Polk para niños