Who is James K Polk?
See all videos for this article James K. Polk, in full James Knox Polk, (born November 2, 1795, Mecklenburg county, North Carolina, U.S.—died June 15, 1849, Nashville, Tennessee), 11th president of the United States (1845–49).Was James K Polk a dark horse candidate for President?
James K. Polk. He was a dark horse candidate for the Democratic nomination for president in 1844; he entered his party's convention as a potential nominee for vice president, but emerged as a compromise to head the ticket when no presidential candidate could secure the necessary two-thirds majority.In the House of Representatives, Polk was a chief lieutenant of Jackson in his Bank war. He served as Speaker between 1835 and 1839, leaving to become Governor of Tennessee. Until circumstances raised Polk's ambitions, he was a leading contender for the Democratic nomination for Vice President in 1844.
What did Samuel and Ezekiel Polk have in common with James?
James learned from the political talk around the dinner table; both Samuel and Ezekiel were strong supporters of President Thomas Jefferson and opponents of the Federalist Party. Polk suffered from frail health as a child, a particular disadvantage in a frontier society.
How many terms did James A Polk serve?
He assumed office at the age of 49 on 4th March 1845 becoming the youngest U.S. President at that time. Polk had declared in advance that he would only serve one term and he honored his pledge, thus serving as President of the United States from 1845 to 1849.
What did James K Polk do during the Jacksonian era?
Polk, known for his excellent oratory skills, aided Jackson's triumph with the national bank failing to secure re-charter. James K Polk served as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1835 to 1839. He remains the only president who served as Speaker of the House.What role did James K Polk play in the Bank War?
#1 James Polk played a major role in the Bank War. In 1825, James K Polk was elected from Tennessee to the U.S. House of Representatives. Polk served seven terms in the U.S. Congress from 1825 to 1839. Following the victory of Andrew Jackson in the 1828 Presidential Elections, Polk became one of the most loyal supporters of President Jackson.President James K. Polk demanded that U.S. territory be extended northward, past the 49 th parallel. The slogan "54° 40' or Fight" became a rallying cry for his supporters.
Where did Samuel Polk go to college?
In January 1816, Polk was admitted into the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a second-semester sophomore. The Polk family had connections with the university, then a small school of about 80 students; Samuel was its land agent in Tennessee and his cousin William Polk was a trustee.