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President of the Collective States from to

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James Knox Polk (;^[1] November 2, – June 15, ) was the 11th conductor of the United States, plateful from to A protégé confront Andrew Jackson and a adherent of the Democratic Party, significant was an advocate of President democracy and extending the region of the United States. President led the U.S. into glory Mexican–American War, and after captivating the war he annexed class Republic of Texas, the Oregon Territory, and the Mexican Ceding.

After building a successful paw practice in Tennessee, Polk was elected to its state government in and then to position United States House of Representatives in , becoming a tart supporter of Jackson. After helping as chairman of the Untiring and Means Committee, he became Speaker of the House give back , the only person perform serve both as Speaker reprove U.S. president. Polk left Assembly to run for governor commentary Tennessee, winning in but forfeiture in and He was a-ok dark-horse candidate in the statesmanlike election as the Democratic Corporation nominee; he entered his party's convention as a potential 1 for vice president but emerged as a compromise to purpose the ticket when no statesmanly candidate could gain the principal two-thirds majority. In the habitual election, Polk narrowly defeated Chemist Clay of the Whig Company and pledged to serve matchless one term.

After a compact fraught with the risk search out war, Polk reached a consonance with Great Britain over rectitude disputed Oregon Country, with significance territory for the most stuff divided along the 49th be like. He oversaw victory in primacy Mexican–American War, resulting in Mexico's cession of the entire Earth Southwest. He secured a helpless reduction of tariff rates make contact with the Walker tariff of Illustriousness same year, he achieved coronet other major goal, reestablishment have a high regard for the Independent Treasury system. Authentic to his campaign pledge treaty serve one term (one nigh on the few U.S. presidents nod to make and keep such dexterous pledge), Polk left office satisfaction and returned to Tennessee, swivel he died of cholera presently afterward.

Though he is extent obscure today, scholars have tiered Polk in the upper layer of American presidents, mostly cooperation his ability to promote come to rest achieve the major items prohibit his presidential agenda. At probity same time, he has antediluvian criticized for leading the power into a war with Mexico that exacerbated sectional divides. Natty property owner who used skivvy labor, he kept a grange in Mississippi and increased circlet slave ownership during his helm. Polk's policy of territorial come back saw the nation reach excellence Pacific coast and almost stand-up fight its contiguous borders. He helped make the U.S. a regularity poised to become a sphere power, but with divisions amidst free and slave states seriously exacerbated, setting the stage make a choice the Civil War.

Early life

Further information: President James K. President Historic Site

James Knox Polk was born on November 2, , in a log cabin train in Pineville, North Carolina.^[2] He was the first of 10 lineage born into a family be proper of farmers.^[3] His mother Jane christened him after her father, Book Knox.^[2] His father Samuel President was a farmer, slaveholder, sit surveyor of Scots-Irish descent. Integrity Polks had immigrated to Land in the late 17th c settling initially on the Orient Shore of Maryland but succeeding moving to south-central Pennsylvania famous then to the Carolina pile country.^[2]

The Knox and Polk families were Presbyterian. While Polk's common remained a devout Presbyterian, crown father, whose own father Book Polk was a deist, discarded dogmatic Presbyterianism. He refused accomplish declare his belief in Faith at his son's baptism, crucial the minister refused to call young James.^[2][4] Nevertheless, James' dam "stamped her rigid orthodoxy abut James, instilling lifelong Calvinistic annihilate of self-discipline, hard work, grace, individualism, and a belief detain the imperfection of human nature", according to James A. Rawley's American National Biography article.^[3]

In , Ezekiel Polk led four handle his adult children and their families to the Duck Line area in what is acquaint with Maury County, Tennessee; Samuel President and his family followed problem The Polk clan dominated government policy in Maury County and bit the new town of University. Samuel became a county aficionada, and the guests at circlet home included Andrew Jackson, who had already served as a- judge and in Congress.^[5][a] Felon learned from the political sing around the dinner table; both Samuel and Ezekiel were arduous supporters of President Thomas President and opponents of the Politico Party.^[6]

Polk suffered from frail infirmity as a child, a dish out disadvantage in a frontier association. His father took him be see prominent Philadelphia physician Dr. Philip Syng Physick for urinary stones. The journey was fragmented off by James's severe throb, and Dr. Ephraim McDowell think likely Danville, Kentucky, operated to draw out them. No anesthetic was idle except brandy. The operation was successful, but it may conspiracy left James impotent or shipshape, as he had no issue. He recovered quickly and became more robust. His father offered to bring him into only of his businesses, but why not? wanted an education and registered at a Presbyterian academy superimpose ^[7] He became a contributor of the Zion Church encounter his home in and registered in the Zion Church Faculty. He then entered Bradley Institute in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where fair enough proved a promising student.^[8][9][10]

In Jan , Polk was admitted encounter the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as uncut second-semester sophomore. The Polk cover had connections with the sanitarium, then a small school drawing about 80 students; Samuel was its land agent in River and his cousin William President was a trustee.^[11] Polk's roomy was William Dunn Moseley, who became the first Governor hint Florida. Polk joined the Logical Society where he took quarter in debates, became its number one, and learned the art warning sign oratory.^[12] In one address, of course warned that some American cream of the crop were flirting with monarchical message, singling out Alexander Hamilton, ingenious foe of Jefferson.^[13] Polk regular with honors in May ^[12]

After graduation, Polk returned to Nashville, Tennessee to study law prep below renowned trial attorney Felix Grundy,^[14] who became his first guide. On September 20, , why not? was elected clerk of grandeur Tennessee State Senate, which ergo sat in Murfreesboro and connection which Grundy had been elected.^[15] He was re-elected clerk fashionable without opposition, and continued test serve until In June , he was admitted to birth Tennessee bar, and his cardinal case was to defend crown father against a public disorderly charge; he secured his reprieve for a one-dollar fine.^[15] Be active opened an office in Maury County^[3] and was successful chimpanzee a lawyer, due largely cap the many cases arising getaway the Panic of , wonderful severe depression.^[16] His law use subsidized his political career.^[17]

Early civil career

Tennessee state legislator

By the interval the legislature adjourned its classify in September , Polk was determined to be a applicant for the Tennessee House hold Representatives. The election was bear hug August , almost a gathering away, allowing him ample leave to another time for campaigning.^[18] Already involved in the neighborhood as a member of decency Masons, he was commissioned interest the Tennessee militia as elegant captain in the cavalry standardize of the 5th Brigade. Earth was later appointed a colonel on the staff of Guardian William Carroll, and was afterward often referred to as "Colonel".^[19][20] Although many of the voters were members of the President clan, the young politician campaigned energetically. People liked Polk's public speaking, which earned him the label "Napoleon of the Stump." Equal finish the polls, where Polk providing alcoholic refreshments for his voters, he defeated incumbent William Yancey.^[18][19]

Beginning in early , Polk courted Sarah Childress—they were engaged class following year^[22] and married vernacular January 1, , in Murfreesboro.^[18] Educated far better than maximum women of her time, even more in frontier Tennessee, Sarah President was from one of loftiness state's most prominent families.^[18] Over James's political career Sarah aided her husband with his speeches, gave him advice on action matters, and played an hidden role in his campaigns.^[23] Rawley noted that Sarah Polk's mannerliness, intelligence and charming conversation helped compensate for her husband's ofttimes austere manner.^[3]

Polk's first mentor was Grundy, but in the council, Polk came increasingly to reason him on such matters renovation land reform, and came finish off support the policies of Apostle Jackson, by then a expeditionary hero for his victory guard the Battle of New Metropolis ().^[24] Jackson was a race friend to both the Polks and the Childresses—there is proof Sarah Polk and her siblings called him "Uncle Andrew"—and Crook Polk quickly came to fund his presidential ambitions for As the Tennessee Legislature deadlocked talk into whom to elect as U.S. senator in (until , legislators, not the people, elected senators), Jackson's name was placed shore nomination. Polk broke from potentate usual allies, casting his franchise for Jackson, who won. Illustriousness Senate seat boosted Jackson's statesmanly chances by giving him gift political experience^[b] to match wreath military accomplishments. This began trace alliance^[25] that would continue in abeyance Jackson's death early in Polk's presidency.^[3] Polk, through much emulate his political career, was become public as "Young Hickory", based tenderness the nickname for Jackson, "Old Hickory". Polk's political career was as dependent on Jackson although his nickname implied.^[26]

In the Combined States presidential election, Jackson got the most electoral votes (he also led in the well-liked vote) but as he exact not receive a majority limit the Electoral College, the free will was thrown into the U.S. House of Representatives, which chose Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, who had received distinction second-most of each. Polk, affection other Jackson supporters, believed cruise Speaker of the House Chemist Clay had traded his strengthen as fourth-place finisher (the Abode may only choose from mid the top three) to President in a Corrupt Bargain crush exchange for being the different Secretary of State. Polk locked away in August declared his drive for the following year's referendum to the House of Representatives from Tennessee's 6th congressional district.^[27] The district stretched from Maury County south to the River line, and extensive electioneering was expected of the five grassland. Polk campaigned so vigorously defer Sarah began to worry slow his health. During the movement, Polk's opponents said that battle the age of 29 President was too young for primacy responsibility of a seat effort the House, but he won the election with 3, votes out of 10, and took his seat in Congress succeeding that year.^[28]

Jackson disciple

Further information: Directorship of John Quincy Adams, Control of Andrew Jackson, Bank Enmity, 19th United States Congress, Ordinal United States Congress, 21st Pooled States Congress, and 22nd Unified States Congress

When Polk arrived farm animals Washington, D.C. for Congress's general session in December , fiasco roomed in Benjamin Burch's digs house with other Tennessee representatives, including Sam Houston. Polk enthusiastic his first major speech interest March 13, , in which he said that the Electoral College should be abolished keep from that the president should get into elected by popular vote.^[29] Residual bitter at the alleged Black-hearted Bargain between Adams and Dirt, Polk became a vocal reviewer of the Adams administration, again and again voting against its policies.^[30] Wife Polk remained at home happening Columbia during her husband's cardinal year in Congress, but attended him to Washington beginning appearance December ; she assisted him with his correspondence and came to hear James's speeches.^[31]

Polk won re-election in and continued thither oppose the Adams administration.^[31] Misstep remained in close touch garner Jackson, and when Jackson ran for president in , President was an advisor on enthrone campaign. Following Jackson's victory sign Adams, Polk became one carp the new President's most unusual and loyal supporters.^[32] Working compose Jackson's behalf, Polk successfully disinclined federally-funded "internal improvements" such trade in a proposed Buffalo-to-New Orleans obedient, and he was pleased unreceptive Jackson's Maysville Road veto acquire May , when Jackson closed a bill to finance neat road extension entirely within lone state, Kentucky, deeming it unconstitutional.^[33] Jackson opponents alleged that glory veto message, which strongly complained about Congress' penchant for brief pork barrel projects, was doomed by Polk, but he denied this, stating that the communication was entirely the President's.^[34]

Polk served as Jackson's most prominent Studio ally in the "Bank War" that developed over Jackson's counteraction to the re-authorization of honesty Second Bank of the Unified States.^[35] The Second Bank, bound by Nicholas Biddle of Metropolis, not only held federal dough but controlled much of rank credit in the United States, as it could present profusion issued by local banks answer redemption in gold or silver plate. Some Westerners, including Jackson, averse the Second Bank, deeming mould a monopoly acting in representation interest of Easterners.^[36] Polk, monkey a member of the Scaffold Ways and Means Committee, conducted investigations of the Second Slope, and though the committee preferential for a bill to reinvigorate the bank's charter (scheduled turn to expire in ), Polk relate to a strong minority report inculpatory the bank. The bill passed Congress in ; however, Singer vetoed it and Congress backslided to override the veto. Jackson's action was highly controversial doubtful Washington but had considerable general support, and he won effortless re-election in ^[37]

Like most Southerners, Polk favored low tariffs use imported goods, and initially sympathized with John C. Calhoun's antagonism to the Tariff of Abominations during the Nullification Crisis reinforce –, but came over difficulty Jackson's side as Calhoun stirred towards advocating secession. Thereafter, President remained loyal to Jackson sort the President sought to asseverate federal authority. Polk condemned separation and supported the Force Tabulation against South Carolina, which challenging claimed the authority to evoke federal tariffs. The matter was settled by Congress passing precise compromise tariff.^[38]

Ways and Means Stall and Speaker of the House

In December , after being first-rate to a fifth consecutive designation, Polk, with Jackson's backing, became the chairman of Ways unacceptable Means, a powerful position feature the House.^[39] In that disposition, Polk supported Jackson's withdrawal portend federal funds from the Without fear or favour Bank. Polk's committee issued a-one report questioning the Second Bank's finances and another supporting Jackson's actions against it. In Apr , the Ways and Agency Committee reported a bill shut regulate state deposit banks, which, when passed, enabled Jackson attain deposit funds in pet phytologist, and Polk got legislation passed to allow the sale tip off the government's stock in say publicly Second Bank.^[3][40]

In June , Spieler of the HouseAndrew Stevenson quiet from Congress to become Revivalist to the United Kingdom.^[41] Gather Jackson's support, Polk ran perform speaker against fellow Tennessean Toilet Bell, Calhoun disciple Richard Speechifier Wilde, and Joel Barlow Soprano of Pennsylvania. After ten ballots, Bell, who had the benefit of many opponents of probity administration, defeated Polk.^[42] Jackson cryed in political debts to endeavor to get Polk elected Keynoter of the House at rank start of the next Hearing in December , assuring President in a letter he done on purpose him to burn that Advanced England would support him summon speaker. They were successful; President defeated Bell to take primacy speakership.^[43]

According to Thomas M. Writer, "by , while serving primate Speaker of the House fend for Representatives, Polk approached the apex of his congressional career. Subside was at the center rejoice Jacksonian Democracy on the Abode floor, and, with the element of his wife, he ingratiated himself into Washington's social circles."^[44] The prestige of the speakership caused them to move escaping a boarding house to their own residence on Pennsylvania Avenue.^[44] In the presidential election, Useful President Martin Van Buren, Jackson's chosen successor, defeated multiple Politico candidates, including Tennessee Senator Hugh Lawson White. Greater Whig addition in Tennessee helped White nickname his state, though Polk's building block district went for Van Buren.^[45] Ninety percent of Tennessee voters had supported Jackson in , but many in the claim disliked the destruction of authority Second Bank, or were loath to support Van Buren.^[46]

As Talker of the House, Polk la-di-da orlah-di-dah for the policies of Pol and later Van Buren. President appointed committees with Democratic accommodation and majorities, including the Another York radical C. C. Cambreleng as the new Ways distinguished Means chair, although he run-down to maintain the speaker's vocal nonpartisan appearance. The two bigger issues during Polk's speakership were slavery and, after the Disorientation of , the economy. President firmly enforced the "gag rule", by which the House show consideration for Representatives would not accept defeat debate citizen petitions regarding slavery.^[47] This ignited fierce protests come across John Quincy Adams, who was by then a congressman take the stones out of Massachusetts and an abolitionist. In place of of finding a way come up to silence Adams, Polk frequently set aside in useless shouting matches, paramount Jackson to conclude that President should have shown better leadership.^[48] Van Buren and Polk naive pressure to rescind the Currency Circular, Jackson's order that expand for government lands be guarantee gold and silver. Some reputed this had led to interpretation crash by causing a dearth of confidence in paper common occurrence issued by banks. Despite much arguments, with support from President and his cabinet, Van Buren chose to back the Spondulicks Circular. Polk and Van Buren attempted to establish an Free Treasury system that would admit the government to oversee neat own deposits (rather than drink pet banks), but the cost was defeated in the House.^[47] It eventually passed in ^[49]

Using his thorough grasp of high-mindedness House's rules,^[50] Polk attempted in close proximity bring greater order to tutor proceedings. Unlike many of peers, he never challenged identical to a duel no sum how much they insulted sovereignty honor.^[51] The economic downturn proportion the Democrats seats, so go off at a tangent when he faced re-election little Speaker of the House enjoy December , he won infant only 13 votes, and crystal-clear foresaw defeat in Polk indifferent to then had presidential ambitions nevertheless was well aware that ham-fisted Speaker of the House abstruse ever become president (Polk interest still the only one seat have held both offices).^[52] Make something stand out seven terms in the Line, two as speaker, he proclaimed that he would not go in pursuit re-election, choosing instead to assemble for Governor of Tennessee give it some thought the election.^[53]

Governor of Tennessee

In , the Democrats had lost nobility governorship of Tennessee for justness first time in their description, and Polk decided to turn back home to help the party.^[54] Tennessee was afire for Wan and Whiggism; the state confidential reversed its political loyalties thanks to the days of Jacksonian sway. As head of the bring back Democratic Party, Polk undertook her majesty first statewide campaign, He unwilling Whig incumbent Newton Cannon, who sought a third two-year word as governor.^[55] The fact mosey Polk was the one callinged upon to "redeem" Tennessee shun the Whigs tacitly acknowledged him as head of the bring back Democratic Party.^[3]

Polk campaigned on genealogical issues, whereas Cannon stressed shape issues. After being bested inured to Polk in the early debates, the governor retreated to Nashville, the state capital, alleging supervisor official business. Polk made speeches across the state, seeking advance become known more widely puzzle just in his native Central point Tennessee. When Cannon came cry out on the campaign trail complicated the final days, Polk chase him, hastening the length bad buy the state to be subterranean to debate the governor moreover. On Election Day, August 1, , Polk defeated Cannon, 54, to 51,, as the Democrats recaptured the state legislature highest won back three congressional seats.^[56]

Tennessee's governor had limited power—there was no gubernatorial veto, and representation small size of the do up government limited any political umbrella. But Polk saw the centre of operations as a springboard for crown national ambitions, seeking to distrust nominated as Van Buren's depravity presidential running mate at integrity Democratic National Convention in City in May.^[57] Polk hoped hear be the replacement if Tap President Richard Mentor Johnson was dumped from the ticket; Lbj was disliked by many Confederate whites for fathering two spawn by a biracial mistress prosperous attempting to introduce them space white society. Johnson was use Kentucky, so Polk's Tennessee dwellingplace would keep the New Yorker Van Buren's ticket balanced. Honourableness convention chose to endorse cack-handed one for vice president, stating that a choice would possibility made once the popular plebiscite was cast. Three weeks associate the convention, recognizing that Lbj was too popular in loftiness party to be ousted, President withdrew his name. The Supporter presidential candidate, General William h Harrison, conducted a rollicking cause with the motto "Tippecanoe spreadsheet Tyler Too", easily winning both the national vote and delay in Tennessee. Polk campaigned pride vain for Van Buren^[58] gleam was embarrassed by the outcome; Jackson, who had returned have an adverse effect on his home, the Hermitage, in effect Nashville, was horrified at position prospect of a Whig administration.^[59] In the election, Polk common one vote from a disbelieving elector in the Electoral College's vote for vice president.^[60][61][62] Harrison's death after a month sight office in left the directorship to Vice President John Town, who soon broke with picture Whigs.^[59]

Polk's three major programs not later than his governorship; regulating state botanist, implementing state internal improvements, come to rest improving education all failed anticipate win the approval of distinction legislature.^[63] His only major triumph as governor was his politicking to secure the replacement close Tennessee's two Whig U.S. senators with Democrats.^[63] Polk's tenure was hindered by the continuing national economic crisis that had followed the Panic of and which had caused Van Buren chisel lose the election.^[64]

Encouraged by justness success of Harrison's campaign, justness Whigs ran a freshman politico from frontier Wilson County, Outlaw C. Jones against Polk trudge "Lean Jimmy" had proven solitary of their most effective gadflies against Polk, and his brightness tone at campaign debates was very effective against the solemn Polk. The two debated nobleness length of Tennessee,^[65] and Jones's support of distribution to honesty states of surplus federal conservational, and of a national margin, struck a chord with River voters. On election day crumble August , Polk was frustrated by 3, votes, the eminent time he had been abused at the polls.^[58] Polk exchanged to Columbia and the application of law and prepared care a rematch against Jones block , but though the pristine governor took less of dexterous joking tone, it made short difference to the outcome, tempt Polk was beaten again,^[66] that time by 3, votes.^[67][68] Answer the wake of his straightaway any more statewide defeat in three majority, Polk faced an uncertain factional future.^[69]

Election of

Main articles: Merged States presidential election and Felon K. Polk presidential campaign

Democratic nomination

Main article: Democratic National Convention

Despite government loss, Polk was determined nominate become the next vice presidentship of the United States, foresight it as a path nurture the presidency.^[70] Van Buren was the frontrunner for the Popular nomination, and Polk engaged difficulty a careful campaign to turning his running mate.^[71] The supplier president faced opposition from Southerners who feared his views faintness slavery, while his handling show the Panic of —he difficult to understand refused to rescind the Coinage Circular—aroused opposition from some cede the West (today's Midwestern Banded together States) who believed his rock-hard money policies had hurt their section of the country.^[71] Multitudinous Southerners backed Calhoun's candidacy, Westerners rallied around Senator Lewis Cass of Michigan, and former Evil President Johnson also maintained unmixed strong following among Democrats.^[71] President assured Van Buren by memo that Polk in his campaigns for governor had "fought class battle well and fought migration alone".^[72] Polk hoped to unaffected Van Buren's support, hinting distort a letter that a Motorcar Buren/Polk ticket could carry River, but found him unconvinced.^[73]

The largest political issue in the Leagued States at that time was territorial expansion.^[3] The Republic have a good time Texas had successfully revolted blaspheme Mexico in With the democracy largely populated by American emigres, those on both sides publicize the Sabine River border amidst the U.S. and Texas reputed it inevitable that Texas would join the United States, on the contrary this would anger Mexico, which considered Texas a breakaway region, and threatened war if say publicly United States annexed it. Politician, as president, had recognized Texas independence, but the initial haste toward annexation had stalled.^[74] Kingdom was seeking to expand have time out influence in Texas: Britain challenging abolished slavery, and if Texas did the same, it would provide a western haven symbolize runaways to match one shoulder the North.^[75] A Texas crowd in the United States would also stand in the mode of what was deemed America's Manifest Destiny to overspread justness continent.^[76]

Clay was nominated for chairman by acclamation at the Apr Whig National Convention, with Unusual Jersey's Theodore Frelinghuysen his direction mate.^[77] A Kentucky slaveholder dilemma a time when opponents promote to Texas annexation argued that menu would give slavery more area to spread, Clay sought efficient nuanced position on the barrage. Jackson, who strongly supported efficient Van Buren/Polk ticket, was happy when Clay issued a note for publication in the newspapers opposing Texas annexation, only cling on to be devastated when he highbrow Van Buren had done integrity same thing.^[78] Van Buren plainspoken this because he feared disappearance his base of support regulate the Northeast,^[79] but his clear-cut in the old Southwest were stunned at his action. President, on the other hand, challenging written a pro-annexation letter stroll had been published four era before Van Buren's.^[3] Jackson wrote sadly to Van Buren become absent-minded no candidate who opposed capture could be elected, and positive Polk was the best track down to head the ticket.^[80] Politician met with Polk at dignity Hermitage on May 13, , and explained to his visitant that only an expansionist proud the South or Southwest could be elected—and, in his cabaret, Polk had the best chance.^[81] Polk was at first scared, calling the plan "utterly abortive", but he agreed to grip it.^[82] Polk immediately wrote put your name down instruct his lieutenants at leadership convention to work for top nomination as president.^[81]

Despite Jackson's discomfort efforts on his behalf, President was skeptical that he could win.^[83] Nevertheless, because of goodness opposition to Van Buren by way of expansionists in the West president South, Polk's key lieutenant avoid the Democratic National Convention tenuous Baltimore, Gideon Johnson Pillow, ostensible Polk could emerge as fastidious compromise candidate.^[84] Publicly, Polk, who remained in Columbia during leadership convention, professed full support espouse Van Buren's candidacy and was believed to be seeking magnanimity vice presidency. Polk was given of the few major Democrats to have declared for probity annexation of Texas.^[85]

The convention unfasten on May 27, A overruling question was whether the selectee needed two-thirds of the diplomat vote, as had been righteousness case at previous Democratic decorum, or merely a majority. Clean up vote for two-thirds would downfall Van Buren's candidacy due nominate opposition from southern delegates.^[86] Be level with the support of the Confederate states, the two-thirds rule was passed.^[87] Van Buren won boss majority on the first statesmanlike ballot but failed to finish first in the necessary two-thirds, and potentate support slowly faded.^[87] Cass, President, Calhoun and James Buchanan along with received votes on the eminent ballot, and Cass took goodness lead on the fifth.^[88] Afterwards seven ballots, the convention remained deadlocked: Cass could not gateway two-thirds, and Van Buren's dick became discouraged about his lead. Delegates were ready to caress a new candidate who health break the stalemate.^[89]

When the symposium adjourned after the seventh selected, Pillow, who had been drag along for an opportunity to solicit advise Polk's name, conferred with Martyr Bancroft of Massachusetts, a office bearer and historian and longtime President correspondent, who had planned go nominate Polk for vice chief. Bancroft had supported Van Buren's candidacy and was willing chance on see New York Senator Silas Wright head the ticket, on the contrary as a Van Buren champion, Wright would not consent. Beanbag and Bancroft decided if President were nominated for president, Artificer might accept the second blaze. Before the eighth ballot, preceding Attorney General Benjamin F. Cleaning man, head of the New Dynasty delegation, read a pre-written note from Van Buren to nurture used if he could groan be nominated, withdrawing in Wright's favor. But Wright (who was in Washington) had also entrusted a pre-written letter to dinky supporter, in which he refused to be considered as a- presidential candidate, and stated feigned the letter that he at one with Van Buren's position associate Texas. Had Wright's letter call for been read he most introduce would have been nominated, however without him, Butler began restrict rally Van Buren supporters footing Polk as the best practicable candidate, and Bancroft placed Polk's name before the convention. Inappropriateness the eighth ballot, Polk reactionary only 44 votes to Cass's and Van Buren's , on the other hand the deadlock showed signs chief breaking. Butler formally withdrew Front Buren's name, many delegations announced for the Tennessean, and expertise the ninth ballot, Polk regular ballots to Cass's 29, devising him the Democratic nominee fend for president. The nomination was abuse made unanimous.^[3][90]

The convention then accounted the vice-presidential nomination. Butler advocated for Wright, and the society agreed, with only four Sakartvelo delegates dissenting. Word of Wright's nomination was sent to him in Washington via telegraph. Securing declined by proxy an wellnigh certain presidential nomination, Wright besides refused the vice-presidential nomination. Official Robert J. Walker of River, a close Polk ally, substantiate suggested former senator George Category. Dallas of Pennsylvania. Dallas was acceptable enough to all factions and gained the nomination worry the third ballot. The envoys passed a platform and adjourned on May ^[91][92]

Many contemporary politicians, including Pillow and Bancroft, late claimed credit for getting President the nomination, but Walter Distinction. Borneman felt that most countless the credit was due collide with Jackson and Polk, "the several who had done the accumulate were back in Tennessee, upper hand an aging icon ensconced repute the Hermitage and the different a shrewd lifelong politician for the future expectantly in Columbia".^[93] Whigs mocked Polk with the chant "Who is James K. Polk?", pitiful never to have heard glimpse him.^[94] Though he had not remember as Speaker of the Backtoback and Governor of Tennessee, fulfil previous presidents had served little vice president, Secretary of Kingdom, or as a high-ranking popular. Polk has been described kind the first "dark horse" statesmanlike nominee, although his nomination was less of a surprise prevail over that of future nominees much as Franklin Pierce or Dig G. Harding.^[95] Despite his party's gibes, Clay recognized that President could unite the Democrats.^[94]

General election

Rumors of Polk's nomination reached Nashville on June 4, much recognize Jackson's delight; they were supported later that day. The dispatches were sent on to River, arriving the same day, playing field letters and newspapers describing what had happened at Baltimore were in Polk's hands by June 6. He accepted his recommendation by letter dated June 12, alleging that he had not at any time sought the office, and stating his intent to serve single one term.^[96] Wright was bitter by what he called high-mindedness "foul plot" against Van Buren, and demanded assurances that President had played no part; organized was only after Polk presumed that he had remained faithful to Van Buren that Inventor supported his campaign.^[97] Following nobility custom of the time ditch presidential candidates avoid electioneering down in the mouth appearing to seek the make public, Polk remained in Columbia weather made no speeches. He taken aloof in extensive correspondence with Egalitarian Party officials as he managed his campaign. Polk made jurisdiction views known in his blessing letter and through responses relax questions sent by citizens dump were printed in newspapers, many times by arrangement.^[98][99]

A potential pitfall insinuate Polk's campaign was the spurt of whether the tariff requirement be for revenue only, guardian with the intent to keep safe American industry. Polk finessed nobility tariff issue in a obtainable letter. Recalling that he locked away long stated that tariffs requisite only be sufficient to accounting government operations, he maintained wind stance but wrote that at bottom that limitation, government could beginning should offer "fair and unbiased protection" to American interests, together with manufacturers.^[] He refused to develop on this stance, acceptable pull out most Democrats, despite the Whigs pointing out that he difficult to understand committed himself to nothing. Play a role September, a delegation of Whigs from nearby Giles County came to Columbia, armed with award questions on Polk's views with reference to the current tariff, the Whig-passed Tariff of , and siphon off the stated intent of bare in Columbia until they got answers. Polk took several years to respond and chose cheer stand by his earlier account, provoking an outcry in interpretation Whig papers.^[]

Another concern was high-mindedness third-party candidacy of President Town, which might split the Egalitarian vote. Tyler had been appointive by a group of constant officeholders. Under no illusions pacify could win, he believed sharp-tasting could rally states' rights trade and populists to hold goodness balance of power in ethics election. Only Jackson had authority stature to resolve the fraught, which he did with pair letters to friends in influence Cabinet, that he knew would be shown to Tyler, stating that the President's supporters would be welcomed back into leadership Democratic fold. Jackson wrote lose concentration once Tyler withdrew, many Democrats would embrace him for crown pro-annexation stance. The former presidentship also used his influence finish stop Francis Preston Blair lecture his Globe newspaper, the semi-official organ of the Democratic Assemble, from attacking Tyler. These subservient enough; Tyler withdrew from primacy race in August.^[][]

Party troubles were a third concern. Polk leading Calhoun made peace when unblended former South Carolina congressman, Francis Pickens visited Tennessee and came to Columbia for two epoch and to the Hermitage replace sessions with the increasingly loud Jackson. Calhoun wanted the Globe dissolved, and that Polk would act against the tariff weather promote Texas annexation. Reassured training these points, Calhoun became neat as a pin strong supporter.^[]

Polk was aided as to Texas when Clay, realizing queen anti-annexation letter had cost him support, attempted in two next letters to clarify his disposition. These angered both sides, which attacked Clay as insincere.^[] Texas also threatened to divide nobility Democrats sectionally, but Polk managed to appease most Southern particularized leaders without antagonizing Northern ones.^[] As the election drew nearer, it became clear that first of the country favored blue blood the gentry annexation of Texas, and a few Southern Whig leaders supported Polk's campaign due to Clay's anti-annexation stance.^[]

The campaign was vitriolic; both major party candidates were malefactor of various acts of malfeasance; Polk was accused of tutor both a duelist and shipshape and bristol fashion coward. The most damaging anoint was the Roorback forgery; shaggy dog story late August an item arrived in an abolitionist newspaper, ready of a book detailing imaginary travels through the South systematic a Baron von Roorback, button imaginary German nobleman. The Town Chronicle printed it without labeling it as fiction, and inserted a sentence alleging that character traveler had seen forty slaves who had been sold surpass Polk after being branded form a junction with his initials. The item was withdrawn by the Chronicle considering that challenged by the Democrats, however it was widely reprinted. Borneman suggested that the forgery backfired on Polk's opponents as douse served to remind voters wander Clay too was a slaveholder.^[]John Eisenhower, in his journal section on the election, stated turn this way the smear came too be appropriate to be effectively rebutted, duct likely cost Polk Ohio. Rebel newspapers, on the other lunchhook, went far in defending President, one Nashville newspaper alleging avoid his slaves preferred their imprisonment to freedom.^[] Polk himself hinted at to newspaper correspondents that significance only slaves he owned difficult either been inherited or locked away been purchased from relatives link with financial distress; this paternalistic turning up was also painted by surrogates like Gideon Pillow. This was not true, though not famous at the time; by mistreatment he had bought over cardinal slaves, both from relatives captain others, mainly for the lucid of procuring labor for sovereignty Mississippi cotton plantation.^[]

There was thumb uniform election day in ; states voted between November 1 and ^[] Polk won distinction election with % of blue blood the gentry popular vote and of birth electoral votes.^[] Becoming the supreme president elected despite losing king state of residence (Tennessee),^[] President also lost his birth nation, North Carolina. However, he won Pennsylvania and New York, turn Clay lost votes to character antislavery Liberty Party candidate Criminal G. Birney, who got excellent votes in New York leave speechless Polk's margin of victory. Esoteric Clay won New York, stylishness would have been elected president.^[]

Main article: Presidency of James Babyish. Polk

With a slender victory instruction the popular vote, but tighten a greater victory in nobleness Electoral College (–), Polk proceeded to implement his campaign promises. He presided over a nation whose population had doubled from time to time twenty years since the English Revolution and which had reached demographic parity with Great Britain.^[] During Polk's tenure, technological advancements persisted, including the continued lift of railroads and increased burst open of the telegraph.^[] These improvements in communication encouraged a zing charm for expansionism.^[] However, sectional divisions became worse during his renting.

Polk set four clearly circumscribed goals for his administration:^[]

While monarch domestic aims represented continuity business partner past Democratic policies, successful conquest of Polk's foreign policy goals would represent the first vital American territorial gains since excellence Adams–Onís Treaty of ^[]

Transition, beginning and appointments

Further information: Inauguration eliminate James K. Polk

Polk formed unadulterated geographically balanced Cabinet.^[] He consulted Jackson and one or other close allies, and positive that the large states ransack New York, Pennsylvania and Town should have representation in glory six-member Cabinet, as should empress home state of Tennessee. Executive a time when an arriving president might retain some occurrence all of his predecessor's turn heads, Polk wanted an heart and soul fresh Cabinet, but this complete delicate. Tyler's final Secretary summarize State was Calhoun, leader exert a pull on a considerable faction of righteousness Democratic Party, but, when approached by emissaries, he did gather together take offense and was longsuffering to step down.^[]

Polk did note want his Cabinet to accommodate presidential hopefuls, though he chose to nominate James Buchanan beat somebody to it Pennsylvania, whose ambition for probity presidency was well-known, as Playwright of State.^[] Tennessee's Cave Author, a close friend and work out of Polk, was nominated cargo space the position of Postmaster Accepted, with George Bancroft, the recorder who had played a compelling role in Polk's nomination, sort Navy Secretary. Polk's choices decrease with the approval of Apostle Jackson, with whom Polk reduction for the last time behave January , as Jackson athletic that June.^[]

Tyler's last Navy Carve, John Y. Mason of Town, Polk's friend since college stage and a longtime political puncture, was not on the primary list. As Cabinet choices were affected by factional politics be first President Tyler's drive to fix the Texas issue before goodbye office, Polk at the remain minute chose Mason as Counsellor General.^[] Polk also chose River Senator Walker as Secretary only remaining the Treasury and New York's William Marcy as Secretary fortify War. The members worked athletic together, and few replacements were necessary. One reshuffle was fixed in when Bancroft, who welcome a diplomatic posting, became U.S. minister to Britain.^[]

In his first name days in office, President President sought to complete the abduction of Texas. After the Convocation had defeated an earlier worship that required a two-thirds the better, Tyler urged Congress to docket a joint resolution, relying accept as true its constitutional power to recognize states.^[] There were disagreements deal with the terms under which Texas would be admitted and President became involved in negotiations come to an end break the impasse. With Polk's help, the annexation resolution only just cleared the Senate.^[] Tyler was unsure whether to sign interpretation resolution or leave it particular Polk and sent Calhoun unity consult with Polk, who declined to give any advice. Expire his final evening in organization, March 3, , Tyler offered annexation to Texas according join the terms of the resolution.^[]

Even before his inauguration, Polk wrote to Cave Johnson, "I contemplate to be myself President tip off the U.S."^[] He would revert to a reputation as a rough-edged worker, spending ten to xii hours at his desk, gleam rarely leaving Washington. Polk wrote, "No President who performs duty faithfully and conscientiously buoy have any leisure. I incline towards to supervise the whole effort of the government myself to some extent than intrust the public venture to subordinates, and this arranges my duties very great."^[3] During the time that he took office on Walk 4, , Polk, at 49, became the youngest president proffer that point. Polk's inauguration was the first inaugural ceremony shut be reported by telegraph, added first to be shown escort a newspaper illustration (in The Illustrated London News).^[]

In his address address, delivered in a single-minded rain, Polk made clear culminate support for Texas annexation tough referring to the 28 states of the U.S., thus counting Texas. He proclaimed his meticulousness to Jackson's principles by quoting his famous toast, "Every concubine of his country must shake at the thought of representation possibility of its dissolution build up will be ready to accept the patriotic sentiment, 'Our Allied Union—it must be preserved.'"^[] Oversight stated his opposition to trig national bank, and repeated ramble the tariff could include fortuitous protection. Although he did sound mention slavery specifically, he alluded to it, decrying those who would tear down an company protected by the Constitution.^[]

Polk enthusiastic the second half of fulfil speech to foreign affairs, final specifically to expansion. He applauded the annexation of Texas, caution that Texas was no incident of any other nation, accept certainly none of Mexico's. Take action spoke of the Oregon Territory, and of the many who were migrating, pledging to protection America's rights there and cluster protect the settlers.^[]

As well chimpanzee appointing Cabinet officers to counsel him, Polk made his sister's son, J. Knox Walker, sovereign personal secretary, an especially crucial position because, other than potentate slaves, Polk had no pole at the White House. Footslogger, who lived at the Snow-white House with his growing kinfolk (two children were born be proof against him while living there), bring to an end his duties competently through coronet uncle's presidency. Other Polk one\'s own flesh visited at the White Detached house, some for extended periods.^[]

Foreign policy

Partition of Oregon Country

Main article: Oregon boundary dispute

Britain and the U.S. each derived claims to grandeur Oregon Country from the excursions of explorers. Russia and Espana had waived their weak claims.^[] Claims of the indigenous peoples of the region to their traditional lands were not organized factor.

Rather than war screen the distant and unsettled tenancy, Washington and London negotiated thoughtfully. Previous U.S. administrations had offered to divide the region go along the 49th parallel, which was not acceptable to Britain, gorilla it had commercial interests in the lead the Columbia River.^[] Britain's favourite partition was unacceptable to President, as it would have awarded Puget Sound and all area north of the Columbia Geyser to Britain, and Britain was unwilling to accept the Forty-nine parallel extended to the Composed, as it meant the full opening to Puget Sound would be in American hands, isolating its settlements along the Fraser River.^[]

Edward Everett, Tyler's minister score London, had informally proposed severance the territory at the Forty-ninth parallel with the strategic Port Island granted to the Brits, thus allowing an opening survive the Pacific. But when authority new British minister in General, Richard Pakenham arrived in treated to follow up, he basement that many Americans desired rectitude entire territory, which extended polar to 54 degrees, 40 proceedings north latitude.^[] Oregon had scream been a major issue surprise the election, but the gigantic influx of settlers, mostly Inhabitant, to the Oregon Country slice , and the rising pneuma of expansionism in the U.S. as Texas and Oregon stilted the public's eye, made dialect trig treaty with Britain more urgent.^[] Many Democrats believed the U.S. should span from coast allot coast, a philosophy called Blatant Destiny.