answersLogoWhite

0

James K. Polk

James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States. He served as president from March 4, 1845 to March 4, 1849

346 Questions

Was it possible for James Polk to play badminton?

James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, served from 1845 to 1849, a time when badminton as we know it was not widely played in the U.S. The game originated in British India and was introduced to England in the mid-1800s. While it’s theoretically possible that he could have played, it’s unlikely he would have had the opportunity or interest in the sport during his presidency.

Why did James K. Polk move west?

James K. Polk moved west as part of his ambition to expand the United States territory, driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny—the idea that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. His presidency (1845-1849) saw the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon and California through diplomacy and conflict, notably the Mexican-American War. Polk aimed to fulfill these expansionist goals and strengthen the nation economically and politically by securing new lands for settlement and resources.

Where did President Polk obtain his information about the mining prospects in California?

President Polk obtained information about the mining prospects in California from various sources, including reports from explorers and miners who had journeyed to the region. Notably, he relied on the findings of John C. Frémont, whose expeditions provided valuable insights into the area's resources. Additionally, Polk received updates from government officials and newspapers that reported on the discovery of gold in California, particularly after the 1848 gold rush began.

What is James K. Polk's status?

James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. He is known for his role in expanding the nation’s territory, particularly through the acquisition of Oregon and the conclusion of the Mexican-American War, which resulted in significant land gains for the U.S. Polk is often regarded as a successful one-term president due to his fulfillment of his campaign promises, but he left office in declining health and died shortly after his presidency ended. His legacy is mixed, with some praising his expansionist policies while others criticize the consequences of his actions.

Was James Polk in the whig party?

No, James Polk was not a member of the Whig Party. He was a member of the Democratic Party and served as the 11th President of the United States from 1845 to 1849. Polk was a strong advocate for westward expansion and played a significant role in the Mexican-American War, which aligned with the Democratic Party's platform at the time.

Why did James K. Polk only run for 1 term as president?

James K. Polk made a campaign promise to serve only one term as president. He believed that one term was sufficient to accomplish his main goals, which were to settle territorial disputes with Mexico and successfully implement his agenda for territorial expansion. Polk felt that by limiting himself to one term, he could focus all his energy on achieving these objectives.

What goal do clay and Polk share?

Clay and Polk, referring to Henry Clay and James K. Polk, both shared the goal of expanding the United States territory during the 19th century. Clay advocated for the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon, while Polk sought to acquire California and New Mexico through the Mexican-American War. Both men were proponents of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the continent.

What are some of the events that Edward James Olmos do?

Edward James Olmos is known for his roles in films such as "Stand and Deliver" and "Selena," as well as TV shows like "Miami Vice" and "Battlestar Galactica." He is also a prominent advocate for Latinx representation in the entertainment industry.

What did President Polk order General Zachary Taylor to cross?

President Polk told General Taylor to march to the Rio Grande, which meant he was to enter the disputed Neuches Strip South of the Neuches River.

What actions did President Polk take to Mexico to strike first?

The Thornton Affair, where American blood was shed when American and Mexican troops attacked each other. The problem is, they fought on a no man's land (the Nueces Strip).

Who questioned President Polks right to declare war by introducing a resolution to Congress requesting the president to specify the precise spot where blood had first been shed?

Abraham Lincoln, who was a member of the House of Representatives at the time, introduced the resolution. The resolution aimed to challenge President Polk's justification for the Mexican-American War and questioned the location of the initial act of aggression that had led to the war.

When Polk believed no one would take enslave persons to the southwest because?

he assumed that the institution of slavery was not necessary or viable in that region. Polk believed that the economic and social conditions of the southwest did not support the establishment of slavery, and therefore, enslaving individuals would not be a profitable or practical endeavor.

Did president Polk wear a tie?

Yes he did. Though I am not sure what the name of it is called, the black thing around his neck in portraits is his tie. Sorry I don't know the name.

Was James Polk associated with the Missouri compromise?

No, James Polk was not associated with the Missouri Compromise. The Missouri Compromise was passed in 1820, before Polk's political career began. Polk served as the 11th President of the United States from 1845 to 1849 and was known for his expansionist policies during the Mexican-American War.

Why was James K. Polk only president for 4 years?

He promised to do only one and that is what he did. Polk added over 800,000 square miles to western territory and extended the boundary of the country to the Pacific Ocean. He also lowered tariffs and created an independent federal treasury.

President Polk was determined to acquire the territory in the West held by even at the risk of war?

President Polk's determination to acquire the territory in the West, even at the risk of war, was driven by his belief in Manifest Destiny and the desire to expand American territory and influence. He viewed the acquisition of land as essential for economic growth, national security, and the spread of democracy. This led to the Mexican-American War, which ultimately resulted in the acquisition of a significant portion of land, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

What is James K. Polk best known as?

Young Hickory (after Andrew Jackson who was Old Hickory) and The Dark Horse Candidate.

How did James K. Polk get americans to go to war with mexico?

Polk said we had to go to war because U.S. forces had been attacked on the Rio Grande. Some said we provoked Mexico into war.

Why did President Polk send General Scott into Mexico?

He did not want a war, but he was willing to go to war if necessary in order to gain his objective of extending the US west to California and ending the dispute over the Texas border.

Longer answer :Border issues...again.

Let me explain. See, despite Santa Anna's defeat at the hands of the Texans, the Mexican Congress refused to accept the terms. Not that they could do much beyond point fingers and sputter. Mexico vehemently warned the U.S. that if they annexed Texas (an inevitability, given the Texans' U.S. and particularly Tennessee bushwhacker attitude), then America would have itself a war with the Central American nation. Predictably, America gleefully ignored the threats, and in 1845, Texas joined the union. Again, Mexico couldn't do much more than pout like a child who didn't get their lollipop, so it did the next best thing (in their minds): break off diplomatic contact. President Polk claimed the border as the Rio Grande River, but Mexico claimed the border as the Nueces River. According to the Treaties of Velasco, the border was indeed the Rio Grande. But Mexico herself never ratified those treaties.

Polk was in a bit of a pickle. See, the U.S. recognized Texas' independence, and by extension, the Treaties of Velasco. The border was indeed the Rio Grande. But Mexico was changing the terms of the treaties by changing the border. Strange...they weren't really willing to just march back in and take Texas back, but they were willing to force the issue... Now why would they do that?

Answer: because they knew Polk could only react one way.

See, there are two reasons for this. First, America wanted Northern California. Not necessarily to control themselves, but primarily because France and England wanted it as well. America wouldn't tolerate the European colonials re-establishing their dominion on the continent (Canada notwithstanding), and they knew Europe had its sights set on the area. Mexico was weak, and would have fallen easily to a European power, either through marshal might, or coercion. It was a matter of safety.

Secondly, cotton. Actually Mexico probably wouldn't be the best place for cotton, but it WOULD be a southern territory that would be allowed slavery. Score one for the Democrats in Congress. The North vehemently opposed the war (for the most part), but this was an America that was all about concessions to the states at this time. Polk knew the NORTH wouldn't secede, but the south sure threatened it. Blocking the war would be just one more thing to add to the secessionist's list.

So, armed with that knowledge, Mexico was pretty sure of two things: one, America would attack if they gave them a reason (i.e: disputing the border), and two: that France and England would SUPPORT Mexico if America did attack. After all, Europe was already slave-free, as was Mexico. Why would England and France support a pro-slave nation over an anti-slave nation? Also, Mexico knew it was a matter of time before it lost California. Either through revolution, conquest, or treaty. France and England wanted it, and Mexico believed they'd support Mexico if they thought they could get it from them.

Mexico was flouting the American policy of no European intervention in the Americas, and threatening an all-out war. America was deeply divided, and didn't need this agitation. Polk's decision was made for him.

In 1846, Texans went to war, again.

Who did President Polk send to try to buy New Mexico and California?

He sent John C. Fremont to see what kind of resistance the Mexican army would show if American military would enter California. The Mexican government was doing its best to keep Americans out of California. When Fremont arrived with his men he was stopped near San Juan Bastista by the Mexican army. Fremont and his men were trapped on the mountain, but the army didn't surround the back of thr peak and only put men on the front. Before the night was over Fremont was able to escape by going down the backside of the mountain. An American naval ship was waiting for them off the coast. It wasn't until the influx of gold seekers in 1849 that Fremont returned to California and he was to declare the Bear Flag Republic and take the Mexican governor to Sutter's Fort in Sacramento. On September 9, 1850 California became a state. It was Texas he offered payment to not California, and in that case it was Zachary Taylor.