“Perhaps the only real criticism one can make of Polk’s tenure was his failure to stem the growing discord between slave states and free states under his watch.” I agree with this, but it was of his own doing. His demand for westward expansion at any cost (attacking a peaceful nation) created the argument about new states being slave states or free states.

But I don’t dispute the idea that he did much for American expansion. Under him, America grew and prospered and, for the sake of this collection of rankings, prospered as a result. Not a bad pick Corey! Very debatable!