James Knox Polk Trivia: Questions and Answers

Welcome to our James K. Polk trivia challenge! Test your knowledge on the eleventh President of the United States with 25 insightful questions covering his presidency, accomplishments, and historical significance. Dive into fascinating facts about Polk’s expansionist policies, leadership during the Mexican-American War, and his impact on shaping the nation’s boundaries. From domestic achievements to foreign affairs, these trivia questions will challenge your understanding of this pivotal figure in American history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious to learn more about President Polk, this quiz is an engaging way to explore the life and legacy of one of the United States’ most consequential leaders. Are you ready to embark on this journey through the presidency of James K. Polk? Let’s put your knowledge to the test!

1. What number President was James K. Polk in the United States?
Answer: 11th President

2. In which U.S. state was James K. Polk born?
Answer: North Carolina

3. What political party did James K. Polk belong to during his presidency?
Answer: Democratic Party

4. What major issue did James K. Polk focus on during his presidency?
Answer: Manifest Destiny and westward expansion

5. What was the slogan associated with James K. Polk’s presidential campaign?
Answer: “54 40 or Fight”

6. What treaty ended the Mexican-American War during James K. Polk’s presidency?
Answer: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

7. How many territories did the United States acquire under James K. Polk’s presidency?
Answer: Three – Oregon, Texas, and California

8. What was James K. Polk’s nickname due to his strong leadership style?
Answer: Young Hickory

9. What was the name of James K. Polk’s wife?
Answer: Sarah Childress Polk

10. What major project did James K. Polk oversee the completion of during his presidency?
Answer: The annexation of Texas

11. How many years did James K. Polk serve as President of the United States?
Answer: 1 term (4 years)

12. Which war took place during James K. Polk’s presidency that led to significant territorial gains for the U.S.?
Answer: Mexican-American War

13. What was the nickname given to James K. Polk referring to his successful foreign policy achievements?
Answer: Napoleon of the Stump

14. What was the capital of the United States during James K. Polk’s presidency?
Answer: Washington D.C.

15. Who served as James K. Polk’s Vice President during his presidency?
Answer: George M. Dallas

16. What was the name of the famous trail that pioneers used to move westward during James K. Polk’s presidency?
Answer: Oregon Trail

17. How did James K. Polk die?
Answer: Cholera

18. What was the outcome of the Oregon boundary dispute during James K. Polk’s presidency?
Answer: The U.S. gained control of the Oregon Territory

19. What was the main reason behind the Mexican-American War during James K. Polk’s presidency?
Answer: Dispute over the border between Texas and Mexico

20. What was the last territory annexed during James K. Polk’s presidency, leading to the conclusion of Manifest Destiny?
Answer: California

21. What was the name of the doctrine that aimed to prevent European powers from colonizing in the Americas during James K. Polk’s presidency?
Answer: Monroe Doctrine

22. What was James K. Polk’s profession before becoming President of the United States?
Answer: Lawyer

23. What was the primary goal of James K. Polk’s presidency regarding the acquisition of new territories?
Answer: To expand the United States to the Pacific Ocean

24. Which U.S. state was admitted to the Union during James K. Polk’s presidency as the 29th state?
Answer: Iowa

25. Where is James K. Polk buried today?
Answer: Nashville, Tennessee