JOHN/JAMES POLK: The 11th President of the United States
 Similar to John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22), who was often referred to as "Jack," JaMeS Polk was often referred to as "John." An article written by Donald Graham for Newsweek on November 13, 2009 reviews a book written by Robert Merry regarding Graham remarks that the book on Polk is an interesting narrative concerning the president. Merry describes the president as an odd character yet is brought to life in the book. Polk is described as strait laced, guarded, wily and daring in his policies. Merry also points to the impression that President Polk is more remarkable than his historical popularity. Polk is held to be the least important president in USA history. In contrast to this comment, Polk fought the Mexican War where he settled claims to Texas and Oregon Territory and thereby expanded the Union. The acquisition of California and the southwest was made possible by these settlements. The national economic policy was also solidified because of these settlements. Author Merry comments that Polk reached the objective she had laid out for himself and that these objectives were reached for the most part as a consequence of his own initiatives. Merry goes to explain that President Polk as a clever political leader. According to Merry, Polk was a very unlikely president. Subsequent to being defeated twice for the governor of Tennessee he was ultimately elected. He exhausted years afterwards planning for the Democratic vice presidential nomination. Then, when Martin Van Buren, the favored candidate chose the incorrect side concerning Texas appropriation in 1884, Polk was catapulted into a deadlocked convention. As a consequence of Polk's astute political team's actions, he was the first dark-horse candidate ever voted president. When he was 11, young JOhn POlk traveled to Tennessee with his family to join his grandfather. They sold their homestead in search of a new life in Tennessee. Polk attended school in Tennessee but returned to North Carolina where he became an honor student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He graduated in 1818 and returned to Tennessee. Upon his arrival to Tennessee John Polk studied law and established his own business. Polk married Sarah Childress in 1824. Historians remark that Sarah had a cordial way about her and she was a loyal companion to Polk which helped promote his political career. | 
John Polk is the only sole president to run his office for only one term. He was also called as THE EXPANSIONIST during his era by settling claims to Texas and Oregon Territories. Among his great accomplishments includes the reestablishment of the Independent Treasury System, the reduction of tariffs, the acquisition of Oregon Country, and the acquisition of California and New Mexico from Mexico. His real name is James but often referred to by many with the name of JOHN POLK. 59 Votes  |
