#11 James K. Polk
1845-1849
“Young Hickory”
Born: November 2,
1795 in North
Carolina
Parents: Samuel and
Jane (Knox)
Wife: Sarah Childress
Children: None
Background
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James K. Polk was born to moderatesly
successful farmers in North Carolina. His
family moved to Tennessee when he was
young, and his father prospered.
 Young James was a sickly young man, and
had to have kidney stones removed, using
only brandy as an anesthetic.
 James gained a solid education at home due
to his poor health, and he eventually enrolled
in an academy at Murfreesburo, where he
met his wife.
Formal Education and Early
Career
Polk graduated with honors from what is
now the University of North Carolina.
 Polk studied law in Nashville after
college.
 He was admitted to the bar in 1820
 He became chief clerk for the
Tennessee Senate in 1821

Political Career
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Tennessee House of Representatives in
1823.
U.S. House of Representatives 1825-1839.
Polk became Speaker of the House in 1835.
He was governor of Tennessee from 18391841.
1845-1849 President of the U.S.
A protégé of Andrew Jackson, he was an
ardent democrat.
Personality
Polk was an intelligent, and extremely
hard working man.
 He was serious, and due to he and his
wife’s religious backgrounds, was
considered somewhat strict.
 He was cunning, and detail oriented.
 He had to be involved in every issue.
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Important Actions as President
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He finished the annexation of Texas.
He passed the Walker Tariff, which increased
trade.
 Polk re-established an independent treasury,
rather than depending on banks.
 Polk negotiated for the Oregon Territory,
acquiring it from Britain without a war.
 The Mexican War was fought during Polk’s
presidency.
Mexican War
Territory Purchased by Polk in
Red
As President
Polk worked constantly, late into the
night, even installing oil lamps in the
White House to do so.
 Polk believed in Manifest Destiny, and
tried to increase American Territory in
North America as much as possible.
 He even tried to purchase Cuba from
Spain.
 Polk controlled as much as he possibly
could, focusing on every detail.
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Accomplishing the Four Goals
Independent Treasury
 Reduction of Tariffs
 Acquisition of Oregon Territory
 Acquisition of California and the
Southwest.
Each was done, and in only the one term
he swore he would serve.
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Legacy
James K. Polk’s legacy is quite strong,
considered by many historians to be among
the top ten presidents.
 He was direct in his actions, and did what he
said he was going to do.
 He was THE MANIFEST DESTINY president,
making America the continental nation that it
is.
 Polk was a slave owner and arranged for the
freedom of his slaves, but they were freed by
emancipation proclamation first.
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Post Presidency Death
Polk died less than three month after
leaving office, probably of cholera.
 He had the shortest post-presidency
ever.
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References
Kane, J. & Podell, J (2009). Facts about
American presidents 8th ed. New York:
H.W. Wilson Company
 McPherson, J. (2000). To the best of my
ability” : The American presidents. New
York: Dorling Kindersly Publishing, Inc.
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