James K. Polk Research Paper
The life of James K. Polk
Name:
James Knox Polk
Place of birth and date:
Pineville, North Carolina
November 2, 1795
Family Background:
Mother- Jane Polk
Father- Samuel Polk
Had a younger brother and two younger sisters.
His schooling had been minimal at a young age, in large part because of his poor health. In time, his chronic abdominal pains had been diagnosed as urinary stones. James’ father sent him to Philadelphia in the fall of 1812, to receive care from Dr. Philip Syng, later titled “The Father of American Surgery.”
After having critical surgery, Polk turned down an opportunity in the mercantile business to get a proper education. In January 1816, following his twentieth birthday, …show more content…
he was accepted to the University of North Carolina as a second semester sophomore, after attending a nearby Presbyterian Academy.
Polk married Sarah Childress on January 1, 1824.
James and his wife Sarah never had children.
Political Affiliations:
Was of the Democratic Party.
Political Life:
Elected to Tennessee House of Representatives in 1823
Elected to the U.S House of Representatives on August 4, 1825
Attended first session of congress on December 5, 1825
Reelected to second term in the U.S House of Representatives in 1827
Appointed to house Committee on Foreign Affairs in 1827
Reelected to third term in U.S House of representatives in 1829
Reelected to fourth term in U.S House of Representatives in 1831
Reelected to fifth term in U.S House of Representatives in 1833
Reelected to sixth term in U.S House of Representatives in 1835
Reelected to seventh term in U.S House of Representatives in 1837
Elected Governor of Tennessee on August 1, 1839
Elected President of the United States, November 1844
Life after Presidency:
In 1848, Polk retired after his first term staying true to his word that he would not seek for reelection in 1848, even though he could have been elected for a second term.
Polk decided to embark on a tour of the southern states. Going along the Atlantic seaboard, along the Gulf states, and finally up the Mississippi River to his final destination of Tennessee.
After his tour, Polk moved to his newly purchased estate in Nashville. This is where he spent his final weeks, named “Polk Place.”
Polk became seriously ill shortly after ending his tour. It is believed that he got cholera, which had broken out in New Orleans during his time there.
James K. Polk died on June 15, 1849. His final request was that Sarah, his wife, would free their slaves upon her death, along with leaving most of his estate to her.
Pictures:
Major Policy Issues:
Polk’s presidential agenda largely consisted of foreign policy considerations, like territorial expansion and foreign trade.
(Oregon)- During Polk’s 1844 campaign, he promised to settle the boundary of the Oregon territory with Britain. Both Great Britain and the U.S had occupied the region since 1818. After a complicated compromise, Polk agreed to a boundary at the 49th parallel, giving the U.S modern day Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.
(Annexation of Texas)- Texas became the fifteenth state of the United States in December 1845. When Texas moved its militia into the territory west of Nueces River, and taking claim to the Rio Grande as a southern border. As a response, Mexico broke off diplomatic relations with the U.S.
(War with Mexico)- in April 1864, Mexican troops crossed the Rio Grande and killed eleven U.S soldiers. Polk requested a declaration of war from Congress, while using the argument that the Mexicans “had shed the blood of our fellow citizens on our soil.” By May 13, 1846, it was official that both nations were at war. Within seven months the United States army completely defeated the Mexican army on its soil. By 1847, America had Mexico’s capitol in its hands. President Polk sent Nicholas Trist to negotiate the terms of Mexico’s surrender. On February 2, 1848, Trist signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which gave the United States authorization of the payment of $15 million for California and New Mexico, and named the Rio Grande the border of Texas.
(Independent Treasury Act of 1846)- Following his victory in the tariff debate, Polk next moved to revive the Independent Treasury Act. The new Treasury Polk established entrusted the federal government with exclusive management of government funds and had the requirement that disbarments be made with gold or silver, or paper backed by gold or silver. The act would avoid speculation in western lands as the nation’s territory expanded.
(Walker Tariff of 1846)- Soon after Polk’s Inauguration, he commissioned a study of tariff levels. After his nationwide survey, the secretary of treasury Robert Walker suggested a larger reduction in tariff rates. Soon after, soon after, a bill was brought forth before the U.S Congress, despite opposition from within Polk’s own cabinet. After debates between the southerners and the westerners over favoring the new tariff bill, Polk signed what became known as the Walker Tariff.
(Treaty of New Granada)- There was a concern that Great Britain might use the war with Mexico to expand its claims in Central America and the Caribbean, so Polk responded to the initiative of New Granada for a treaty. The agreement conveyed the United States the right away across the Isthmus of Panama. The U.S promised to guarantee neutrality of the Isthmus and sovereignty of New Granada. Through doing so, Polk opened up the opportunity for the construction of the Panama Canal.
He promised during his campaign to revive the Independent Treasury System. As well as intending to address four important issues of the Jacksonian Era; territorial expansion, slavery, the tariff, and banking.
Major Issues:
1844: Morse’s First Electronic telegram was created.
1845: The U.S Naval Academy of Annapolis was founded.
1846: The first official game of baseball was played.
1848: The California Gold Rush started.
1. How did those in his party and those outside of his party view him?
It is said that James Polk received much disagreement from within and without his own democratic party.
But, it is also said by Democrats that Polk was, “the candidate who stood for expansion.” At first, many, especially by those in Congress or his own party, questioned the wisdom of Polk’s major policies. In early 1846, the people of Congress and the people of the nation were agitated with the Oregon territory in question. In response, “Mr. Polk set up the claim for the whole of the territory. This met a warm response from his political friends.” As his presidency progressed, he received the support of many. Before and throughout Polk’s presidency, he always had support from his loyal friend, Andrew …show more content…
Jackson.
2. How did the press view him?
At first, few people really knew who James K. Polk was before he was nominated, leading to the very common newspaper headline and article consisting of. “Who is James K. Polk?” Answers to this very popular question were articles such as, “One of the richest slaveholders in Tennessee,” leads me to the belief that much of the press was against the nomination of Polk in the beginning. But later into his presidency the press started to view him better and agreed that his nomination was a success for the nation.
3. How did the common woman/man view him?
In the beginning many knew not who James Polk was, but towards the end of his presidency all loved him. It was said by most of the common people that, “Polk was known as one of the best, most honest, most successful presidents the country ever had.” Eventually, Polk received support from the nation. As Harry S. Truman stated, “James K. Polk, a great president, said what he intended to, and did it.” James Polk said it himself, “Who is J. K. Polk, will be no more asked.”
4. What was his legacy?
James Polk promoted an “American-First” foreign policy. He intended to, “bring as much land in the Western Hemisphere as possible into the Union,” because he knew that it would benefit the people of the United States. Polk met nearly every promise he made to his nation in his campaign, including the border conflict with Texas, lowering Tariffs, expansion, and reviving the Independent Treasury. Lastly, Polk “ran circles around Congress. He had a laser focus on his agenda and a convincing idea about what the destiny of the United States was.” Some historians’ criticize Polk for being soft on slavery and others say he was popular enough to end slavery; however, he knew “the slavery issue would tear the nation apart.” Therefore, James K. Polk earns much respect.
FRQ A good president is someone who successfully accomplishes the task of doing what is best for the country throughout his presidency, with or without the support from his nation.
A good president follows through with the promises made, during his campaigning, to better the society. James Knox Polk was an excellent president. Polk was successful while taking the role as president by fulfilling the promises he made. He promised expansion, which he was successful with. He promised to revive the Independent Treasury while also lowering tariffs, which he accomplished as well. But most importantly, Polk was successful in bettering his nation even when he did not always have a great amount of
support. During Polk’s campaign in 1844, Polk gave his word to the people that he would expand the United States. In his inaugural address on a cold, rainy day, “the new president left no doubt about his view of the status of Texas,” even though Texas had not been assented yet (Borneman 141). Surely enough, months later on July 4th, Texas was officially a part of the United States. President Polk Promised to settle the boundary of the Oregon Territory with Britain. After a long compromise, Polk accomplished the task. He agreed to a boundary at the 19th parallel, giving the U.S present-day Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. President Polk had successfully expanded the United States. In the beginning of his presidency, Polk promised to lower tariffs and revive the Independent Treasury. Soon after his inauguration, Polk commissioned a study of tariff levels. After debates between the southerners and westerners and the suggested reduction in tariff rates, Polk signed what became known as the Walker Tariff. Recently after, James Polk created a new treasury during the Independent Treasury act of 1846, which, “entrusted the federal government with exclusive management of government funds and had the requirement that disbursements be made with gold or silver” (millercenter.org). The act was meant to avoid speculation in western lands as the nation’s territory continued to grow. President Polk successfully revived the Independent Treasury while also lowering tariffs, as promised. “In any event I intend to be myself, President of the United States,” (Borneman 129). The words of James Polk himself represent his attitude towards leading his country; by saying he intends to be the best that he can be. From the beginning of his presidency, Polk had been, “judged by many to be politically dead. But he never gave up” (110). With letters, speeches, and Jackson’s support, “Polk went to work immediately to extricate himself from political obscurity” (110). Although he may not have had the support from his nation at the beginning, he slowly earned their support throughout four successful years as the President of the United States. Polk did what he believed was best for the nation at his point in time which made him a good president. I personally believe a good president is one who does his best at bettering the nation from the time he takes office to the time he leaves office. A good president is one who makes it his job to follow through with the promises made before taking office and is successful in following through with those promises. James Knox Polk was a good president in these respects. Reasons being he kept the promises he made before becoming president and he did the best he could for his country even when his country did not support him. “In politics, serendipity should never be discounted. But then again, neither should persistence, hard work, and unyielding determination. The stars may have aligned for James K. Polk in 1844, but that he was there at all to take advantage of them was due to his own personal resilience and character” (110).
Works Cited
Borneman, Walter R. Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and
America. New York: Random House, 2008. Print.
“Government Documents Primary Sources 1840-1849.” Government
Documents Primary Sources 1840-1849. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2013
The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, n.d. Web. 6 Dec.
2013
“James K. Polk (president of United States): Supplemental Information.”
Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2013.
“Miller Center.” American President: James Knox Polk. N.p., n.d. Web. 7
Dec. 2013
Paulus, John W. “The Legacy of James Polk.” Helium. Helium, 28 Feb.
2008. Web. 7 Dec. 2013.
Name:
James Knox Polk
Place of birth and date:
Pineville, North Carolina
November 2, 1795
Family Background:
Mother- Jane Polk
Father- Samuel Polk
Had a younger brother and two younger sisters.
His schooling had been minimal at a young age, in large part because of his poor health. In time, his chronic abdominal pains had been diagnosed as urinary stones. James’ father sent him to Philadelphia in the fall of 1812, to receive care from Dr. Philip Syng, later titled “The Father of American Surgery.”
After having critical surgery, Polk turned down an opportunity in the mercantile business to get a proper education. In January 1816, following his twentieth birthday, …show more content…
he was accepted to the University of North Carolina as a second semester sophomore, after attending a nearby Presbyterian Academy.
Polk married Sarah Childress on January 1, 1824.
James and his wife Sarah never had children.
Political Affiliations:
Was of the Democratic Party.
Political Life:
Elected to Tennessee House of Representatives in 1823
Elected to the U.S House of Representatives on August 4, 1825
Attended first session of congress on December 5, 1825
Reelected to second term in the U.S House of Representatives in 1827
Appointed to house Committee on Foreign Affairs in 1827
Reelected to third term in U.S House of representatives in 1829
Reelected to fourth term in U.S House of Representatives in 1831
Reelected to fifth term in U.S House of Representatives in 1833
Reelected to sixth term in U.S House of Representatives in 1835
Reelected to seventh term in U.S House of Representatives in 1837
Elected Governor of Tennessee on August 1, 1839
Elected President of the United States, November 1844
Life after Presidency:
In 1848, Polk retired after his first term staying true to his word that he would not seek for reelection in 1848, even though he could have been elected for a second term.
Polk decided to embark on a tour of the southern states. Going along the Atlantic seaboard, along the Gulf states, and finally up the Mississippi River to his final destination of Tennessee.
After his tour, Polk moved to his newly purchased estate in Nashville. This is where he spent his final weeks, named “Polk Place.”
Polk became seriously ill shortly after ending his tour. It is believed that he got cholera, which had broken out in New Orleans during his time there.
James K. Polk died on June 15, 1849. His final request was that Sarah, his wife, would free their slaves upon her death, along with leaving most of his estate to her.
Pictures:
Major Policy Issues:
Polk’s presidential agenda largely consisted of foreign policy considerations, like territorial expansion and foreign trade.
(Oregon)- During Polk’s 1844 campaign, he promised to settle the boundary of the Oregon territory with Britain. Both Great Britain and the U.S had occupied the region since 1818. After a complicated compromise, Polk agreed to a boundary at the 49th parallel, giving the U.S modern day Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.
(Annexation of Texas)- Texas became the fifteenth state of the United States in December 1845. When Texas moved its militia into the territory west of Nueces River, and taking claim to the Rio Grande as a southern border. As a response, Mexico broke off diplomatic relations with the U.S.
(War with Mexico)- in April 1864, Mexican troops crossed the Rio Grande and killed eleven U.S soldiers. Polk requested a declaration of war from Congress, while using the argument that the Mexicans “had shed the blood of our fellow citizens on our soil.” By May 13, 1846, it was official that both nations were at war. Within seven months the United States army completely defeated the Mexican army on its soil. By 1847, America had Mexico’s capitol in its hands. President Polk sent Nicholas Trist to negotiate the terms of Mexico’s surrender. On February 2, 1848, Trist signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which gave the United States authorization of the payment of $15 million for California and New Mexico, and named the Rio Grande the border of Texas.
(Independent Treasury Act of 1846)- Following his victory in the tariff debate, Polk next moved to revive the Independent Treasury Act. The new Treasury Polk established entrusted the federal government with exclusive management of government funds and had the requirement that disbarments be made with gold or silver, or paper backed by gold or silver. The act would avoid speculation in western lands as the nation’s territory expanded.
(Walker Tariff of 1846)- Soon after Polk’s Inauguration, he commissioned a study of tariff levels. After his nationwide survey, the secretary of treasury Robert Walker suggested a larger reduction in tariff rates. Soon after, soon after, a bill was brought forth before the U.S Congress, despite opposition from within Polk’s own cabinet. After debates between the southerners and the westerners over favoring the new tariff bill, Polk signed what became known as the Walker Tariff.
(Treaty of New Granada)- There was a concern that Great Britain might use the war with Mexico to expand its claims in Central America and the Caribbean, so Polk responded to the initiative of New Granada for a treaty. The agreement conveyed the United States the right away across the Isthmus of Panama. The U.S promised to guarantee neutrality of the Isthmus and sovereignty of New Granada. Through doing so, Polk opened up the opportunity for the construction of the Panama Canal.
He promised during his campaign to revive the Independent Treasury System. As well as intending to address four important issues of the Jacksonian Era; territorial expansion, slavery, the tariff, and banking.
Major Issues:
1844: Morse’s First Electronic telegram was created.
1845: The U.S Naval Academy of Annapolis was founded.
1846: The first official game of baseball was played.
1848: The California Gold Rush started.
1. How did those in his party and those outside of his party view him?
It is said that James Polk received much disagreement from within and without his own democratic party.
But, it is also said by Democrats that Polk was, “the candidate who stood for expansion.” At first, many, especially by those in Congress or his own party, questioned the wisdom of Polk’s major policies. In early 1846, the people of Congress and the people of the nation were agitated with the Oregon territory in question. In response, “Mr. Polk set up the claim for the whole of the territory. This met a warm response from his political friends.” As his presidency progressed, he received the support of many. Before and throughout Polk’s presidency, he always had support from his loyal friend, Andrew …show more content…
Jackson.
2. How did the press view him?
At first, few people really knew who James K. Polk was before he was nominated, leading to the very common newspaper headline and article consisting of. “Who is James K. Polk?” Answers to this very popular question were articles such as, “One of the richest slaveholders in Tennessee,” leads me to the belief that much of the press was against the nomination of Polk in the beginning. But later into his presidency the press started to view him better and agreed that his nomination was a success for the nation.
3. How did the common woman/man view him?
In the beginning many knew not who James Polk was, but towards the end of his presidency all loved him. It was said by most of the common people that, “Polk was known as one of the best, most honest, most successful presidents the country ever had.” Eventually, Polk received support from the nation. As Harry S. Truman stated, “James K. Polk, a great president, said what he intended to, and did it.” James Polk said it himself, “Who is J. K. Polk, will be no more asked.”
4. What was his legacy?
James Polk promoted an “American-First” foreign policy. He intended to, “bring as much land in the Western Hemisphere as possible into the Union,” because he knew that it would benefit the people of the United States. Polk met nearly every promise he made to his nation in his campaign, including the border conflict with Texas, lowering Tariffs, expansion, and reviving the Independent Treasury. Lastly, Polk “ran circles around Congress. He had a laser focus on his agenda and a convincing idea about what the destiny of the United States was.” Some historians’ criticize Polk for being soft on slavery and others say he was popular enough to end slavery; however, he knew “the slavery issue would tear the nation apart.” Therefore, James K. Polk earns much respect.
FRQ A good president is someone who successfully accomplishes the task of doing what is best for the country throughout his presidency, with or without the support from his nation.
A good president follows through with the promises made, during his campaigning, to better the society. James Knox Polk was an excellent president. Polk was successful while taking the role as president by fulfilling the promises he made. He promised expansion, which he was successful with. He promised to revive the Independent Treasury while also lowering tariffs, which he accomplished as well. But most importantly, Polk was successful in bettering his nation even when he did not always have a great amount of
support. During Polk’s campaign in 1844, Polk gave his word to the people that he would expand the United States. In his inaugural address on a cold, rainy day, “the new president left no doubt about his view of the status of Texas,” even though Texas had not been assented yet (Borneman 141). Surely enough, months later on July 4th, Texas was officially a part of the United States. President Polk Promised to settle the boundary of the Oregon Territory with Britain. After a long compromise, Polk accomplished the task. He agreed to a boundary at the 19th parallel, giving the U.S present-day Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. President Polk had successfully expanded the United States. In the beginning of his presidency, Polk promised to lower tariffs and revive the Independent Treasury. Soon after his inauguration, Polk commissioned a study of tariff levels. After debates between the southerners and westerners and the suggested reduction in tariff rates, Polk signed what became known as the Walker Tariff. Recently after, James Polk created a new treasury during the Independent Treasury act of 1846, which, “entrusted the federal government with exclusive management of government funds and had the requirement that disbursements be made with gold or silver” (millercenter.org). The act was meant to avoid speculation in western lands as the nation’s territory continued to grow. President Polk successfully revived the Independent Treasury while also lowering tariffs, as promised. “In any event I intend to be myself, President of the United States,” (Borneman 129). The words of James Polk himself represent his attitude towards leading his country; by saying he intends to be the best that he can be. From the beginning of his presidency, Polk had been, “judged by many to be politically dead. But he never gave up” (110). With letters, speeches, and Jackson’s support, “Polk went to work immediately to extricate himself from political obscurity” (110). Although he may not have had the support from his nation at the beginning, he slowly earned their support throughout four successful years as the President of the United States. Polk did what he believed was best for the nation at his point in time which made him a good president. I personally believe a good president is one who does his best at bettering the nation from the time he takes office to the time he leaves office. A good president is one who makes it his job to follow through with the promises made before taking office and is successful in following through with those promises. James Knox Polk was a good president in these respects. Reasons being he kept the promises he made before becoming president and he did the best he could for his country even when his country did not support him. “In politics, serendipity should never be discounted. But then again, neither should persistence, hard work, and unyielding determination. The stars may have aligned for James K. Polk in 1844, but that he was there at all to take advantage of them was due to his own personal resilience and character” (110).
Works Cited
Borneman, Walter R. Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and
America. New York: Random House, 2008. Print.
“Government Documents Primary Sources 1840-1849.” Government
Documents Primary Sources 1840-1849. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2013
The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, n.d. Web. 6 Dec.
2013
“James K. Polk (president of United States): Supplemental Information.”
Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2013.
“Miller Center.” American President: James Knox Polk. N.p., n.d. Web. 7
Dec. 2013
Paulus, John W. “The Legacy of James Polk.” Helium. Helium, 28 Feb.
2008. Web. 7 Dec. 2013.