In his inaugural address, James K. Polk outlined four major economic and geographic goals for his administration. He achieved those goals by stabilizing the economy and overseeing the largest expansion of U.S. territory of any president. Those accomplishments alone should rank Polk among the most successful of presidents. Instead, a controversial war and regional divisiveness lessened the impact and recognition of his successes.

Polk kept his word that he would serve only one term. His promise was meant to unify political factions within his own Democratic Party and to calm the nation as a whole. But the hardworking president was not able to bridge differences, particularly over the issue of slavery. He left office exhausted and dispirited. He died just over three months after his term ended, at the age of fifty-three.

Overcame physical hardships

James Knox Polk was born in a log...