James Polk: Best Mullet Ever (1845 - 1849)

Although James Polk was a strong figure in the oval office, he will always be remembered for that sweet, sweet hairstyle. Business in the front, party in the back. But lest we overlook his actual political accomplishments, let's dig a little deeper into his life and presidential term, shall we?
Script by Michael Thomas
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[@adrianatamura6640]

Looks like James Polk was truly an inspiring example for the importance of keeping our promises.

[@dianelove8147]

Awesome! I love this! Thanku! Wish American history was taught like this back in the day when I was in school

[@jimjam4210]

Right?? He makes it so easy to understand and simplifies everything. He should submit his curriculum to schools.

[@ashleighstratmann7783]

Thank you for bringing up that Polk wasn't among the weakest presidents after Jackson up to Lincoln. I don't approve his bullying way of doing things (as I grew up a victim of school bullying), but I can't disaggree on the fact he got things done and completed all his promises. That's why I try to stay neutral about Polk as best as I can.

[@ronunderwood1118]

A nicely done video. Thanks!

[@Hn-zu1qu]

Polk didn't settle for the 49th parallel. Secretary of State John C. Calhoun sabotaged the negotiation with Britian, as he didn't want there to be more territory for free states, and settled for the 49th as a consequence.

[@Malcolm.Y]

Jackson and Polk endorsed Manifest Destiny? Jackson was dead for three years before some journalist coined the term. The term almost post-dates Polk as well. From what I have read of Polk's writing, mostly his diary, he thinks expansion is a good idea in a pragmatic sense - like Texas offers a staging area to protect New Orleans, which the Brits are also interested in. I sure don't remember him getting any vapors about western lands being his "destiny."

[@Rayzersword]

Lol so you think that if a specific term didn't exist yet, then the idea behind it also didn't exist? XD sounds like you need to grow up and realize how history actually works.

[@Malcolm.Y]

@@Rayzersword Of course, the idea existed and was made evident, for example, in the history that is the Old Testament. So, yes I am aware that the term is anachronistic, not to mention politically-charged. That's why I don't use it and find fallacy in the 'work' of those who do. And I will work hard on growing up fast, as I will be 79 on my next birthday. Hopefully, before I die, you will publish your dissertation on how "history works." I know how an internal combustion engine works and how a computer works, but I quite eager to learn how history "works." lol

[@benjaminharrisongray9079]

You always reap what you sow, even generations afterward.

[@thecolourpurple7509]

Around 7:30, you give the weaker pre-civil war presidents some credit and explain that it was more their situation than their temperament that caused their apparent weakness and inaction in relation to slavery. This is in great contrast to the comment I left on the Martin van Buren video, where I pointed out that your criticism of them was a double standard. I'm glad to see that you're treating them more fairly here, but I find the inconsistency in your analysis concerning.

[@theaviator1152]

Professor Dave didn’t write the script for any of these videos. He is only the presenter. It is not inconsistency either; a statement was made in the Van Buren video and context/elaboration is being provided later. There are no contradictions between this video and the Van Buren video.

[@Rayzersword]

It's amazing how few Americans actually know their own history. The degree to which this video's comments prove that is also amazing. XD

[@jimmygarciagaricia4108]

U.s. citizens??? U.s. history??? Polk!!!, The coward!!!.

[@drvir]

I love your science videos!

[@gaminrick7471]

No. 1 Fan

[@JustDuckyy]

I went to Carleton too! your chem videos are super helpful for the dat!

[@ProfessorDaveExplains]

Woohoo!! Go Knights!

[@aidensantamaria4796]

Presidents are good to learn

[@ayushshukla1042]

Awesome!!

[@gstrummer]

Homerun. Well done.

[@DW-rs8tq]

Awesome president

[@jimmygarciagaricia4108]

The biggest arrogant, coward in history!!!.

[@aname3017]

I just realized, my town's street names are out of order.

[@LouisArias]

Where Are You?

[@alexarviso6836]

Imagine glorifying monsters in 2023

[@cristinazamfirkalogirou1383]

2:15 Knoxy 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@manjotnizzer6705]

Just came to like for the thumbnail.

[@TheyLuvBrie]

helpfull

[@emc448]

The best president

[@NorteMilitante]

El usurpador de tierras mexicanas

[@LouisArias]

El que?

[@jimmygarciagaricia4108]

Polk!!!, The coward!!.