James Knox Polk: A One-Term President's Achievements

James K. Polk, a one-term U.S. president, was born in 1795 in North Carolina and rose to prominence in Tennessee. As a compromise candidate in 1844, he promised to expand U.S. territory and support manifest destiny, while avoiding the slavery debate. Polk's presidency was marked by his hands-on approach, securing the Oregon Territory and leading the U.S. to victory in the Mexican-American War, which added significant western territories. These acquisitions intensified the North-South divide over slavery. Polk retired in 1848 and died shortly after, leaving a complex legacy.

Where was James Knox Polk born?

• Tennessee

• North Carolina

• Virginia

• South Carolina

What was Polk's promise during his presidential campaign?

• To improve education

• To reduce taxes

• To expand American territory to the west

• To abolish slavery

How did Polk make Southern voters happy during his campaign?

• By promising to expand slavery

• By improving infrastructure

• By not speaking out against slavery

• By reducing taxes

Which territory did Polk's team negotiate with Britain to acquire?

• California

• Texas

• Oregon

• Nevada

What event led to the Mexican-American War?

• The annexation of California

• Skirmishes on the Texas-Mexico border

• The discovery of gold in California

• The Oregon Treaty

Which states were acquired by the US as a result of the Mexican-American War?

• California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado

• California, Texas, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona

• Texas, California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico

• California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona

What happened to Polk shortly after leaving office?

• He moved to Europe

• He was re-elected

• He retired peacefully

• He died of illness