James K. Polk

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James K. Polk portrait

James K. Polk

U.S.A.

Party Democrat
Latest Campaign U.S.A. President
Date of Birth November 2, 1795
Date of Death June 15, 1849 (Age: 53)
Overall Community Sentiment: Neutral

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Overview
Community
Analysis
Personal Background

James K. Polk graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and practiced law in Tennessee. He gained early political experience as a state senator clerk and was admitted to the Tennessee bar. Polk spent several years in public service before his presidency, establishing a foundation in legislative and legal expertise. His professional trajectory indicates a commitment to public service and a strategic approach to policy and governance.

Political Ideas

James K. Polk's strategic philosophy was rooted in an unwavering commitment to territorial expansion, driven by a fervent belief in Manifest Destiny. He skillfully combined a lower tariff policy to protect American industries with aggressive foreign policy maneuvers to annex Texas and acquire vast western territories. Polk's approach reveals a calculated, ideologically driven effort to expand U.S. influence, despite the moral and sectional tensions his policies would later ignite. His rhetorical style often framed these expansions as inevitable and beneficial, though it masked the underlying tensions that would contribute to national division.

Campaigns
1844: U.S.A. President
ELECTED

Election History

U.S.A. President

1,339,494 votes (49.50%)

Win
1843: Tennessee State Governor

Election History

Tennessee gubernatorial election, 1843

54,470 votes (48.30%)

Loss

Winner: James C. Jones

1841: Tennessee State Governor

Election History

Tennessee gubernatorial election, 1841

50,343 votes (48.44%)

Loss

Winner: James C. Jones

1839: Tennessee State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

9th Governor of Tennessee

54,062 votes (51.27%)

Win
1838: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee

Win
1836: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee

Win
1834: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee

Win
1832: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee

Win
1830: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee

Win
1828: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee

Win
1826: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee

Win
1824: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee

Win