Party: Democrat
Fact One: Expanded the United States by completing the annexation of Texas and threatening the British over the Oregon Territory. Then after the Mexican-American War, he expanded the western coastline by adding California.
Fact Two: Signed the Walker Tariff into law, which reduced tariff rates set earlier. This reduction, plus some British repeals, helped spur on international trade, which caused a major boom to the economy during that time period.
Fact Three: Re-established an Independent Treasury. It stayed in place until 1913 when the Federal Reserve was established. This helped move the government out of the practice of storing funds in state banks (and eliminated the Whig desire of a national bank. This president believed that an Independent Treasury would help stop inflation.
Fact Four: Established the U.S. Naval Academy, the Smithsonian, and the first postage stamp. He also oversaw the groundbreaking of the Washington Monument. Signed into law the creation of the Department of the Interior.
Fact Five: Tried to buy Cuba for $100 million dollars. Eventually the Spanish government turned him down, but it was seriously considered. He eventually shot down an idea of invading Cuba and taking it by force.
Quotes:
“With me it is exceptionally true that the Presidency is no bed of roses.”
“Minorities have a right to appeal to the Constitution as a shield against such oppression.
“Peace, plenty, and contentment reign throughout our borders, and our beloved country presents a sublime moral spectacle to the world.”
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