James K. Polk Influence

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Who was James K. Polk? James K. Polk was the United States President from 1845 to 1849. Possibly known as “the man who emerged the Civil War”, which is not true, though some of his actions did bring the war about. Polk began studying law in Nashville which had opened many doors for a young James. He was elected as the clerk of the Tennessee State Senate in 1819. By 1822 Polk was very determined to promote his status to be a candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives. Polk decided to join the Tennessee militia as captain of the cavalry regiment of the 5th Brigade. Polk being in the militia gave him plenty of opportunities to put himself out there. He eventually became very popular and was given the nickname “Napoleon of the Stump”. …show more content…
Polk’s biggest influence was Andrew Jackson another Tennessean. Influenced by Jackson’s victory at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. In 1823 Polk voted Jackson for United States senator. Andrew Jackson won, and Polk became his biggest supporter and a huge advocate for Andrews ideas. James Polk married Sarah Childress in 1824. Sarah was James biggest supporter and helped assist Polk with his speeches and always gave him advice. Polk ran for the United States House of Representatives in the Tennessee’s 6th congressional district. He ended up winning though many said he was too young. When Polk appeared in Washington, D.C., he was joined with Benjamin Burch as well as Sam Houston. Polk’s first major speech was in 1826, which he lectured that the Electoral College should be exterminated, and the President should be elected by popular vote. Jackson won his second presidency in 1828, and of course Polk was there as his most loyal friend and