George Mifflin Dallas was born on July 10, 1792 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He came from a prominent political family, with his father Alexander Dallas serving as the Secretary of the Treasury under President James Madison. George Dallas received a quality education, studying at Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. His early experiences in politics began when he served as the Mayor of Philadelphia from 1828 to 1829.
In 1831, Dallas was elected as a US Senator from Pennsylvania, a position he held until 1833. He was known for his firm stance on economic issues, particularly when he cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate to overturn a protective tariff. This action demonstrated his commitment to free trade and economic principles.
In 1845, Dallas was elected as the eleventh Vice President of the United States, serving under President James K. Polk. During his time in office, he focused on advancing Polk's agenda, including the annexation of Texas and the expansion of the United States into the western territories. Dallas played a key role in supporting Polk's policies and working to implement them during his term as Vice President.
George M. Dallas left a lasting impact on American politics, with several counties being named after him in recognition of his contributions. The county of Dallas in Texas, as well as counties in Iowa and Missouri, bear his name as a tribute to his service to the country. His dedication to economic principles and commitment to public service made him a respected figure in the political landscape of his time.
Overall, George M. Dallas made a significant impact on American political history, with his contributions to economic policies and public service shaping the course of the nation during his lifetime.