Born on This Date November 2: James K. Polk

William Browning
Born on this date, November 2, is James K. Polk, the Eleventh President of the United States from 1845-1849. A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Polk was elected to Congress and served as governor of Tennessee before becoming President.

While he was the head of the executive office, Polk expanded the United States to the Pacific Ocean with the acquisition of Oregon Territory and New Mexico and California from the British and Mexico, respectively. By expanding the United States, Polk inadvertently fueled the slavery debate that eventually was one of the leading causes of the states' rights versus Federal rights that ingnited the Civil War.

Polk signed a treaty with the British that established the current border with Canada. In the final treaty that ended the Mexican War, Polk purchased territories that expanded the United States territory in the biggest land increase since the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

By the time James K. Polk died of cholera just three months after leaving office, Americans were already rushing westward into California to find gold as the 49ers went to find their fortunes. It was one of the immediate impacts of one of his decisions in office that began the legacy of modern day California.

Published by William Browning - Featured Contributor in Politics, Sports and Movies

Welcome! My name is William Browning. I am an accomplished writer, in love with my beautiful wife and am blessed with two precious children who teach me something new every day.   View profile

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.