11.+James+K.+Polk

= = toc **__The 11th President of the United States:__** =James Knox Polk=



= Introduction =

James K. Polk was elected president in 1844, this was during the era of United States history when 6 presidents came and went within a period of 20 years. During his presidency the United States grew more than one million square miles. This accounts for a large portion of its territory that trumps gains made by any other president. This gain is due to the fact that James believed in "Manifest Destiny" and put to action the belief that the United States should own as much territory as possible. He went to war against mexico, and made the border lines mostly what they are today when the Mexican American War was won in Feb 2, 1848 when the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed. He decided not to run for a second term and was later succeeded by national war hero Zachary Taylor. Sadly he died 3 months after leaving office.



= Life Before Presidency =

James was born into a Scotch-Irish family in North Carolina in 1795. Raised a Presbytarian, he developed a discipline that would later help him out in life. When he was a bit older he moved to Tennessee with his family, but returned to North Carolina as an adult to pursue his education. At the University of North Carolina he majored in mathematics. After college his interest in politics became apparent. In 1825 he entered politics and was elected as a state representative. He was then re elected 6 times and served for a total of 14 years. The last 4 years of which he held the spot of speaker of the house. Later he served only 2 years as the governor of Tennessee. His next objective as a politician was to become the next vice president of the United States during 1844. "Out of Nowhere" he snagged the popular vote and became the youngest president at the time at age 49.

= Presidency (1845–1849) =

As president, he did many great things. Many of which still effect us today.
 * He re-established a system that kept the United State's money in its treasury instead of spread out in banks across america.
 * He reduced tariffs from the "black tariff" 25-35% less with the Walker tariff
 * He pressured Britain to give us the greatly disputed Oregon country as our new territory
 * He obtained California and New Mexico after winning the Mexican-American War
 * He admitted Texas into the union and it became a state



= Conclusion (Why is He The Best President?) =

James K. Polk should be known as a great president because he did many things for our nation. He made our nation bigger during his presidential term. He acquired over one million square miles to make our nation bigger and powerful. He lead our troops into war, and we won on Febuary 2,1848. Even though he only decided to run for one term, he did many things for our nation that still greatly affect us today.