James Knox Polk

Birth-Death: (1795 - 1849 ) Term: (1845-1849 )

Polk endorsed and adhered to the concept of Manifest Destiny. He signed a treaty with Great Britain concerning Oregon, saw Texas become a state under his administration, and sent troops into Mexico.

Foreign Events of James Polk

    Polk ran on an expansion ticket. He favored annexation of all of Oregon, admittance of Texas to the United States, and other possible expansionist actions. The Oregon boundary was settled quickly in 1846. Although the United States did not get the whole territory of Texas, Polk decided to avoid a lengthy war with the British, and agreed to the continuance of the 49th parallel. The Senate ratified the treaty on June 15, 1846, and the United States had full control of the Oregon territory.

    In addition to expanding North, Polk also expanded South. The Southern boundary of Texas had been disputed ever since Texas was an independent nation. During the years when Texas was part of Mexico, its boundary was the Nueces River. When Texas declared itself an independent republic, it declared the Southern border the Rio Grande. Almost as soon as Texas joined the US, troops, commanded by Zachary Taylor were sent into the area.

    When the Mexicans ambushed Taylor's troops, Polk asked Congress to declare war because "American blood had been shed on American soil." The Fighting went on for a little over a year. At the same time, Polk dispatched John C. Fremont to California to encourage insurrection and begin a rebellion. The move was successful and on September 14, 1847 the marines took control of Mexico City.

    Under the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, the United States purchased the area from Mexico for $15 million. Once again, as in the case with Florida, the United States did not conquer the territory, rather it bought it.