James Knox Polk was the eleventh President of the United States (1845–1849). Polk was the candidate of the Democratic Party in 1844, defeating Henry Clay. Polk was the second president to serve two full terms; his first term ended in 1849. An expansionist, he proposed to Congress the Mexican Cession (territories) of 1848, which led to the Mexican–American War
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During this war he mobilized an army of 15,000 volunteers and led them to victory at the Battle of Mexico City (1847), ending with American occupation of Mexico City.
He is remembered for his earnestness and integrity, as well as his aggression towards Britain and France. The latter two nations had recently broken off diplomatic relations with the United States, because of troop movements for what was perceived as a scheme to rob Mexico. Polk sent reinforcements to California, which led to war with Britain in that area.
After the Mexican-American War, Polk returned to his home state of Tennessee.
He ran successfully for Governor in 1845 and entered the Senate in 1845. He served as chairman of the Committee on Territories during this period, which enabled him to bring his successful territorial policies before Congress.
Polk was elected President in November 1844 after defeating Henry Clay in the election of 1844, taking office January 20, 1845 . Under Polk's leadership, Congress passed several important measures: The Compromise Tariff Act of 1846 , which lowered tariffs but increased revenues; The Indian Removal Act , which set aside treaty lands for removal by white settlers; The Gadsden Purchase Act , which doubled the size of present-day Arizona ; The Pacific Railroad Act ; and The Timber Culture Act .
He also secured passage of an act creating a new territory known as Oregon .
He signed into law a bill providing for federal funding of internal improvements—railroads, canals , etc.—for states or territories willing to pay for them.
With these notable accomplishments behind him, Polk prepared for reelection but died at age 51 on June 15 , 1849 .
This left Vice President Millard Fillmore (a Whig) president until Zachary Taylor (another Whig) took office on July 9 .