Which U.S. President was in office when Texas joined the United States?

• A. Abraham Lincoln
• B. James K. Polk
• C. John Adams
• D. George Washington

Answer: (B)

Understanding the timeline of presidents helps you place events in history. Texas joined the United States in 1845, during James K. Polk’s presidency (he served from March 4, 1845, to March 4, 1849). The annexation move was approved in 1845 and Texas became a state on December 29, 1845, within his term. Polk’s administration pushed westward expansion, and annexation of Texas fit with that goal, helping lead into the Mexican-American War. The other presidents listed—George Washington and John Adams—were in office in the late 1700s, long before Texas joined, and Abraham Lincoln was president in the 1860s, long after. So the timing lines up with James K. Polk.