Curated OER
Baltimoreans in the California Gold Rush
Eleventh graders explore the reasons for migration to California during the Gold Rush. For this American History lesson, 11th graders read letters about the opportunities and obstacles people faced. Students create a map of...
Curated OER
Presidential Election 2004: Five Presidents' Calls for War
Students examine five president's reasons for entering into a war. Using the text, they answer questions and discuss their answers with the class. They also examine President Bush's reasons for going to war in Iraq and how that...
Curated OER
History 1 Word Search Puzzle
In this social studies activity, students look for the words in the puzzle that are related to the theme of the word search. Spelling skills are worked on.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Polk
A comprehensive site examining James Polk's life before the presidency, his campaigns, domestic and foreign affairs, life after the presidency, and his family. From the left-hand toolbar, select links detailing his cabinet and staff...
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum
Rutherford B. Hayes Center: Who Is James K. Polk?
This page features an analysis of the Democratic Party's decision to nominate the relatively unknown James Polk for their presidential candidate in 1844. This article gives insight into the political atmosphere of the time.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: James Polk
This biography highlights James Polk's life and presidency.
The White House
The White House: Presidents: James Polk
Short biography of James K. Polk, 11th President of the United States. Includes a color portrait.
Other
James K. Polk Memorial Association's Site
The James K. Polk Memorial Association has compiled a thorough guide to his life which includes many pictures.
Library of Congress
Loc: Biographical Directory of the u.s. Congress: James Polk
The U.S. Congress site from the Biographical Directory contains a brief summary of the life of James Polk complete with a picture.
American Presidency Project
American Presidency Project: James K. Polk, 4th Message
This site presents a transcript of James Polk's address to the country during his annual message in Washington, DC, on December 5, 1848. The text is in-depth and covers his entire speech. A good, informative site on the subject.
A&E Television
History.com: American Presidents: James K. Polk
This easy-to-navigate site has President James K. Polk's biography, significant events in his life, an image gallery, and video clips.
State Library of North Carolina
N Cpedia: James K. Polk
A summary of James Polk's life including comparisons and contrasts with Andrew Jackson.
US Department of State
Biographies of the Secretaries of State: James Buchanan (1791 1868)
Biographical summary of the life and political career of James Buchanan, who served as secretary of state under President James Polk for 4 years before becoming president of the United States in 1856.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: The Presidents Biography: 11. James Knox Polk
A biography highlighting the professional life of President James Knox Polk. Discover details on his domestic policy, foreign affairs, presidential politics as well as identifying what was going on during his term.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Knox Polk: Domestic Affairs
Read about the domestic policies of the Polk Administration.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Knox Polk:campaign and Election of 1844
The campaign and election of 1844 showed the rising difference in the nation between Whigs and Democrats and sections of the country. Showing the true development of the two-party system, it also gave rise to the term, "dark horse."
World Wide School
World Wide School: James Knox Polk: Inaugural Address
This site provides a copy of James Knox Polk's inaugural address on March 4, 1845.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: James K Polk
Facts, biography, and accomplishments of the life of James Polk and summaries of important events during his presidency.
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: 1846: Portrait of a Nation
This site provides a glimpse into the United States in the year 1846. James Polk was president and the Westward Expansion was in full force. The site has nice historical photographs.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: The Election of 1844
Read about the election of 1844 and the views of the two candidates, James Polk and Henry Clay.
Charles I. Kelly and Lawrence E. Kelly
Many things.org: In 1845, Republic of Texas Faces a Choice
An explanation of the difficulties the Republic of Texas encountered when deciding whether to join the Union. Also discusses President James Polk's efforts to expand the territories held by the United States, which brought him into...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: "American Blood on American Soil"
President James Polk's desire was for the United States to stretch from sea to shining sea. See what happened when his overatures to Mexico to buy the land north of the Rio Grande River were spurned. Take a brief vote to see if Polk was...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: 54 40 or Fight
See how James Polk's plan to claim the Oregon Territory, which had been shared with Great Britain since 1818, led him to victory with the slogan, Fifty-four forty or fight. Read about the settlers who traveled the Oregon Trail and why...