James Polk
(March 4, 1845 to March 3, 1849)

Born: November 2, 1795
Died: June 15, 1849

Political Party: Democratic
Previous Occupation: Lawyer

Elected From: Tennessee
Vice President: George M. Dallas (1845-1849)
Cabinet Members: view list

Other Government Positions:
· Member of Tennessee House of Representatives, 1823-25
· Member of U.S. House of Representatives, 1825-39
· Speaker of the House, 1835-39
· Governor of Tennessee, 1839-41

Inaugural Address: 1845
Biography: view

Presidential Highlights:
· Mexican-American War. American troops were ambushed by Mexico north of the Rio Grande River. Polk asked Congress to declare war on Mexico. By 1848, the United States had defeated Mexico, the war ended with the Treaty of Hidalgo (settled the southwestern Texas border, gave the U.S. California and New Mexico, the U.S. paid Mexico $18.7 million in return).

· Approved a treaty with Britain, dividing Oregon at the 49th parallel.

· Redefined the Monroe Doctrine, warning European governments not to interfere with U.S. interests in North America.

· Restored the independent federal treasury. Removed federal funds from states banks, and deposited them with the federal government. The United States government accepted payments in gold, silver, or federal paper currency. This caused the economy to boom.

· Polk wanted to shorten the time required for ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A canal across Central America would accomplish this goal. In 1846, Polk approved the Bidlack Treaty with Columbia (gave the United States access to build a canal across Panama's isthmus).

Presidential Election:
1844
James K. Polk170
Henry Clay105

Pop Out Into New Window