James K. PolkThe 11th President

Family first moved to the U.S in the 1720’s. James was born in 1795 to Samuel and Jane

Polk, and was the oldest of 10 children. Both of James’ grandfathers fought in the

revolutionary war. Later, one grandfather moved to Tennessee to

become a successful farmer, which later prompted James’ family to do the same.

Family History

Early Life

Polk lived most of his childhood in North Carolina, but then his family moved to Tennessee to become farmers.

His mother was stern. She believed that having a strong sense of duty was necessary for her children, which was a Presbyterian principle she took seriously.

Early Life Cont.

The trip to Tennessee (more than 500 miles) took its toll on Polk and most of his childhood was denoted by illness and gallstones.

To make up for his lack of physical condition Polk developed an unhealthy work ethic and studied extremely hard.

Polk had several tutors growing up, and was adept

at reading , writing and arithmetic. Later on he attended the University of North

Carolina and graduated in 1818 with honors. After that he studied under Felix Grundy, an

astounding political figure who would later be a Senator in the Van Buren administration.

Under Felix, Polk passed the state bar exam, and with his knowledge of law, he secured himself the position of clerk of state senate, an important stepping stone to his rise as president.

Education

Rise to Presidency

Polk started associating with the Jeffersonian-Republicans and soon became a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives.

In the two years he was member, he became chief legislative lieutenant of William Carolls, a Tennessee Governor.

In 1825, Polk won a seat in the U.S House of

Representatives. He continued to win this seat six more times. During this time Polk developed the same ideals

as Andrew Jackson by favoring limited government and taking some power away from banks. Essentially, whatever Jackson favored, Polk favored as well, which helped him gain Jackson’s trust and his nickname, “Young Hickory”, a tribute to Jackson’s nickname, “Ole’ Hickory.”

Rise to Presidency Cont.

Andrew Jackson

In 1839 Polk left the House in order to pursue governorship in Tennessee, but due to tough economic times that occurred because of Jackson’s monetary policies, Polk lost this opportunity twice.

After two losses, Polk retreated to his plantation, where he would wait for an opportunity to come back to politics.

Sarah Childress

In 1824 Polk married Sarah Childress, the daughter of a wealthy planter.

They met through their private tutor when Sarah was 12, and connected romantically in their early teen years.

Sarah was very well educated, attending the

Moravian Female Academy in Salem, North Carolina.

She became heavily involved in James’ social and political life, being very adept at communicating with others unlike James, while exhibiting a lively and intelligent charm.

She helped James develop better communication skills, a necessary trait in a president.

More on Sarah

In the election of 1844, Van Buren committed political

suicide when he announced his opposition to annex Texas.

After the first ballot Van Buren fell behind Lewis Cass, former secretary of war for Jackson.

As a result, Van Buren gave his full support to James K. Polk, the first Dark Horse candidate nominated by a major party.

To gain supporters, Polk promised he would seek office for only one term, acquire the northwestern land from the British, annex Texas, and lower the tariff.

President Polk

After the ballots were in, Polk had beat runner

Henry Clay by the thinnest margin in history, by approximately 38,000 votes.

His win marked the mature growing of a two party system that would dominate all elections.

Polk was the first president to assume the position without having a majority of the popular vote.

President Polk Cont.

Domestic Affairs

Polk’s main concern was to improve international affairs in order to expand the total area of the United States.

Other main concerns were lowering the tariff and establishing an Independent Treaury.

In 1846 the Walker Tariff was enacted,

effectively lowering the tariff by moving rates downward to revenue levels.

The same year the Independent Treasury Act passed, setting up an independent treasury aside from private banks that would receive federal funds.

He also acquired the northwestern land from Great Britain, successfully increasing the size of the U.S dramatically.

Domestic Affairs Cont.

After Presidency

In 1849 Polk did not seek a second term and retired.

For three months after his term ended, he traveled throughout the Southern states, where he developed cholera and had to go back home immediately to Polk Place.

Due to years of pressure and stress from the

presidency, Polk’s health deteriorated quickly, and died on June 15, 1849.

Before his death he left everything to his wife, and told her to free the slaves when she died.

His tomb is in the state capitol cemetery in Nashville.

Death

Miller Center Contributors. "Miller Center." American

President: James Knox Polk. Miller Center, 12 Oct. 2008. Web. 28 June 2015.

Polk Contributors. "About James K. Polk | James K. Polk Home." About James K. Polk | James K. Polk Home. President Polk Home and Museum, 24 Apr. 2010. Web. 28 June 2015.

White House Article Contributors. "James K. Polk." The White House. The White House, 23 Sept. 2006. Web. 26 June 2015.

Works Cited