James K Polk

When he took office on March 4, 1845, Polk, at 49, became the youngest man at the time to assume the presidency. According to a story told decades later by George Bancroft, Polk set four clearly defined goals for his administration:

Reestablish the Independent Treasury System;

Reduce tariffs;

Acquire some or all of Oregon Country:

Acquire/buy California and New Mexico from Mexico.

Pledged to serve only one term, he accomplished all these objectives in just four years.