Curated OER
Lincoln's Spot Resolutions
Students take a closer look at historical relations between the United States and Mexico. For this Texas annexation lesson, students examine primary documents authored by Zachary Taylor, James Polk, and Abraham Lincoln to consider why...
Curated OER
The Election of 1844
Briefly detailing the goals and issues within the Polk election and presidency, this presentation can help your students to bridge their knowledge of American politics and issues prior to the Civil War. It includes photographs of Polk,...
Curated OER
Presidents of Tennessee
In this PowerPoint, students learn interesting facts about Presidents Andrew Jackson, James Polk, and Andrew Johnson. Slides provide details about the backgrounds of the men, personal information about their wives, excerpts from primary...
Library of Congress
Loc: Portraits of the Presidents & First Ladies
A collection from the Library of Congress of formal and informal portraits of the US presidents and their first ladies.
Lone Star Junction
Lone Star Junction: Archives of the West: Resolution Annexing Texas to the u.s.
Read the U.S. Congressional resolution approving the annexation of the Republic of Texas to the United States. Links are provided to additional sites.
Other
Georgia's Blue and Gray Trail Presents: Election of 1848
An extensive look at the election of 1848 including information about the conventions, the parties which elected candidates, the platforms, and the outcome. From the Civil War Encyclopedia.
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...
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Mexican American War, 1846 1848
After reading this section of a chapter on "Westward Expansion," students will be able to identify the causes of the Mexican-American War and describe the outcomes of the war in 1848 and the effect of the California Gold Rush on westward...
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."
White House Historical Association
The White House Historical Association: The Presidents
Complete biographies and photos of all past presidents.
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.
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.
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: The Mexican War and After
This site from the U.S. Army's Center of Military History offers a detailed account of the Mexican War and its important battles as well as a description of what occurred after the war.
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.
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: Aftermath the Reckoning
What happened in the 15 years that followed the annexation of Texas? How did the Mexican War end? Read this article to learn about the aftermath of the annexation, and check out primary documents--a "moral map" of the United States and a...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: A Treaty of Annexation Tyler's Failed Gamble
Read about the part the question of the annexation of Texas played in the election of 1844 and the machinations of several politicians in addressing this question.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: The Final Showdown the Crisis
The opposition against Texas' annexation was strong, and supporters faced challenges between Polk's election and inauguration. What lead up to the passing of the Texas annexation? Check out primary texts to explore this time in Texas'...
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.
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.
San Jacinto Museum of History
San Jacinto Museum: How Did the Battle of San Jacinto Change the World?
This is an interesting look at the impact of the Battle of San Jacinto not only for the Republic of Texas, but for places in North America and in Europe. Links to additional information.
American Presidency Project
American Presidency Project: Election of 1844
Online resource that provides detailed data for the presidential election of 1844 won by Democratic candidate, James K. Polk.
iCivics
I Civics: Oregon Treaty (1845)
Students explore how and when we got the present day border between the United States and Canada. They learn how it happened, what tensions were involved, and how Native Americans were affected.
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.