‘No President Less Human’: James Knox Polk - ICTMN.com

17.3.16

‘No President Less Human’: James Knox Polk - ICTMN.com: Born in North Carolina in 1795, Polk later moved to Tennessee, where he practiced law, served in the state militia and became a firm supporter of Andrew Jackson. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as governor of Tennessee before successfully running for president in 1844. A member of the Democratic Party, Polk served one term, from 1845 to 1849.

In his first message to Congress, he urged a comprehensive adoption of Jacksonian policies—including Indian removal—and called Jackson “the most eminent citizen of our country.” He also reasserted the Monroe Doctrine, warning against European interference with America’s plans to advance across the continent.

Printed copies of the message were rushed by train to citizens all over the country. In Philadelphia, crowds reportedly shouted, “Hurrah! Jackson is alive again!”