Kraken Kronicles

Born November 2, 1795
Died June 15, 1849

In the 19th century only Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln MAY have wielded more power as the Chief Executive Officer of America.

Term: 1845-1849

Polk, who only desired to serve one term, annexed Texas by paying Mexico 20 Million, than started a war with Mexico to acquire all the land west of Texas to the Pacific Ocean. While this was going on, he threatened and bluffed Britain and Canada with war to establish the northern border of the United States. The cry was “54-40 or fight!” This added the Oregon territory to the land he won from Mexico. Under Polk’s leadership the land area of America was increased by 33%, from the Louisiana Purchase to the Pacific Ocean. In 1849, gold was discovered in California, and the quote “Go West Young Man” became a reality. Polk, a native of Tennessee, never was in Texas or the frontier.

In the mean time, he fought Biddle to put the treasury under the control of the federal government. Up to this time the Government used private banks as the treasury, and, of course, paid for the service.

The Navel Academy was established and the Washington Monument was started under his Presidency.

Polk died after leaving office in 1849.

Here is a site about the 11th President