USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -James K. Polk – the 11th president of the United States – led the country to its greatest territorial expansion, stretching the U.S. from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. He also oversaw the successful, but controversial, Mexican-American War. James Knox Polk was born in rural North Carolina in 1795.

Detailed explanation-2: -Polk is chiefly known for extending the territory of the United States through the Mexican–American War; during his presidency, the United States expanded significantly with the annexation of the Republic of Texas, the Oregon Territory, and the Mexican Cession following American victory in the Mexican–American War.

Detailed explanation-3: -On May 12, 1846, the United States Senate voted 40 to 2 to go to war with Mexico. President James K. Polk had accused Mexican troops of having attacked Americans on U.S. soil, north of the Rio Grande. But Mexico claimed this land as its own territory and accused the American military of having invaded.

Detailed explanation-4: -Polk had a three-part plan for the war with Mexico: First, American troops would drive Mexican forces out of the disputed border region in Texas and make the border secure. Second, the United States would seize New Mexico and California. Finally, American forces would take Mexico City, the capital of Mexico.

Detailed explanation-5: -After handing over the reins of government to his successor, Zachary Taylor, the Whig candidate whom he had correctly suspected of planning to use his Mexican War heroism to seek the presidency, Polk embarked on an extensive tour of the southern states.