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 with honors from a prominent university before being admitted to the bar. He gained early political experience as a clerk in the state senate. Polk transitioned from state-level politics to national leadership, culminating in his election as the 11th President of the United States. His professional background in law and state governance provided a strong foundation for his presidential achievements.

Political Ideas

James K. Polk's political identity is marked by an aggressive expansionist philosophy, balancing regional economic interests with a rigid defense of Southern rights. His strategic approach to territorial acquisition, including the annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War, reveals a highly calculated effort to secure industrial and agricultural benefits for the South. Polk's advocacy for infrastructure improvements like railroads and telegraphs demonstrates an ideological agility, combining economic modernization with territorial expansion. His unwavering stance on slavery ownership and opposition to the Wilmot Proviso highlights a deeply entrenched commitment to Southern interests, creating a notable tension between his expansionist ambitions and his defense of slavery.

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