15. James Polk
James Polk, the eleventh president, presided over a period of dramatic territorial expansion for the United States. Polk owned a large plantation in Mississippi, where enslaved people did the grueling work that supported his wealth and lifestyle. His expansionist policies, including the annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War, significantly increased the number of enslaved people in new American territories. The White House Historical Association discusses Polk’s life and legacy in detail.
